THERE were mixed fortunes for the North Midlands Under-19 and Under-18 county sides against Warwickshire.

The Under-19s snatched a 16-12 win at Moseley to take a slender lead into the second leg of their defence of the Sable's Head Trophy at Broadstreet on October 25.

But the Under-18s were trounced 44-5 by Warwickshire in their opening match of the Midlands Championship at Droitwich despite taking an early lead and being level at half-time.

The Under-19s were 5-7 down at half-time at Billesley Common where both sides initially struggled in wet conditions.

A try from Camp Hill lock Chris Goddard trimmed the deficit after Warwickshire had taken the lead with a converted try.

Former England Under-18 centre Paul Bailey-Green (Moseley) gave North Midlands the lead with two penalties early in the second half but Warwickshire nudged back in front with an unconverted try.

North Midlands deservedly claimed victory with a late try from centre Charles Meredith (Luctonians) which rounded off a superb length of the pitch and sustained attack which involved most members of the side.

At Droitwich fly-half Ollie Frost (Bromsgrove School and Worcester Academy) crossed for a close range try after 15 minutes and there were some other encouraging early signs which suggested that North Midlands might avenge a heavy defeat by Warwickshire at Droitwich 12 months ago.

Warwickshire did not draw level until winger Brett Chatwin crossed on the stroke of half time but Warwickshire grew in strength and confidence in the second half and scored six more unanswered tries to win the Western group.