NORTH Midlands reached the knock-out stages of the National Under 20 Championship by defeating a strong Notts, Lincs and Derbyshire side 29-12 in their final Midlands Group B' match at Newark.

Worcester full-back Cameron Pimlow added a converted try to North Mids' total, while Moseley wings Ed Gardner and Sam Yarwood (two) also crossed the whitewash.

The win was North Midlands' third of the season and secured top spot in the group and a place in the Midlands semi-finals.

North Midlands expected a formidable forward challenge from NL&D who out-muscled Warwickshire in their opening group match two weeks ago.