Worcestershire & Herefordshire won the North Midlands Championship by beating holders Shropshire 16-3.

They came from behind, conceding early to a Jamie Simpson penalty after the scrum-half had earlier hit a post.

By half-time they led 10-3 via tries from Andy McEwan and Steph Ellis, and won it with two Dean Howell penalties.

Shropshire manager Gordon Wood told BBC Radio Shropshire: "It was disappointing because we had strong periods in the game but a couple of mistakes cost us."

Shropshire, who won the title for the first time in four years 12 months ago, deservedly took the lead when Luctonians' Simpson saw his second penalty attempt go through - but the Two Counties hit back immediately.

Solid defence under pressure and two tries in a five-minute period late in the first half from number eight Andy McEwan and winger Steph Ellis put them 10-3 in front against a Shropshire side missing five key backs.

Old Halesonians centre Rees Pritchard almost went over for a third try just before the break when he slipped a tackle, but Shropshire managed to regain their composure in time to smuggle the ball off him and clear the danger.

W & H nudged ten points clear when Powell eventually found the target with a well-struck penalty after 54 minutes when Shropshire were penalised for holding onto the ball in a ruck as they tried to attack from close to half-way.

Shropshire's better moves broke down in a congested midfield but a flowing move gave Bridgnorth wing Matt Farrington a run on the left before Powell relieved the pressure.

A break from Harper Adams University full-back Andy Crabtree almost put England Deaf international winger Adam Faulkner clear but the Two Counties again snuffed out the threat.

Those missed opportunities proved costly for Shropshire as Powell banged over his second penalty 10 minutes from time.

The victory meant that Worcestershire & Herefordshire completed their RLF campaign unbeaten following wins over Greater Birmingham and Shropshire in their group matches.

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