North Mids close in on promotion

North Midlands meet Northumberland in the semi-finals of the County Championship Shield this weekend, knowing victory will bring promotion.

A 36-19 win over Cumbria at Stourbridge kept alive their hopes of bouncing back from relegation to return to the Bill Beaumont Cup at the first attempt.

First-half tries from Jake Abbott and Cameron Mitchell put them in control.

Ryan Henshaw, Richard Protherough and Ollie Winter crossed after the break to set up a promotion clash at Tynedale.

North Midlands have an injury doubt over Moseley lock Will Betts for Saturday's game, after he went off at half-time with concussion.

The winners of the tie go to Twickenham on 1 June for the Shield final.

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