REDDITCH'S fate is still in the balance after a morale-boosting 31-10 win at Upton at the weekend which hoisted them to fourth from bottom.

Stan Hull's troops knew an away win was vital to keep his side out of reach of struggling Stourport.

With Five Ways already down and Stourport guaranteed to pick up two points at their expense in their last fixture, Redditch had to win to make sure they would finish out of the bottom two and did so.

But the regional nature of the game means Redditch are still not guaranteed safety.

In an ideal season two sides would drop from Powergen North Midlands One with two promoted from Division Two but it appears three or four teams will be cut from Redditch's division this season. If four come down the Kingfishers are already relegated but the RFU can ensure only three are relegated by moving 'border' relegated sides like Scunthorpe or Bedford Athletic between leagues further up the chain.

The issue is further clouded if, as rumoured, the runner-up in North Midlands One has the chance of a play-off with the second placed Staffordshire side for promotion to Midlands Four West South.

If Worcester Wanderers - who look set to finish second - go up, it could mean Redditch are guaranteed survival.

With so many ifs and buts, Hull will be striving to finish fourth from bottom by getting a result against champions-elect Solihull in their last fixture and hoping third from bottom Bromyard struggle in their last two games - against Worcester and Redditch's arch rivals Woodrush.

Redditch are set to entertain higher league Droitwich in a friendly on Saturday (ko 3pm) and expect to field A and B teams with a number of regulars rested.