A LATE Colin Smith penalty earned Cleobury Mortimer a 10-8 friendly win over Stoke Old Boys.

Cleobury, who built up a friendship with the opposition in league encounters last season, brought Alan Woodhouse back out of retirement to play at scrum-half.

They also called up Dan Mantle, Alan Shields, Jon Banford and Rob Kirton due to missing regulars.

Stoke, assisted by the wind, had the better possession in the first half and opened the scoring with a wide unconverted try.

But Cleobury hit back later in the half when Smith crossed for a try for the third successive game and then converted.

With a 7-5 interval lead, the home side could not build on the advantage and failed to secure enough ball.

A penalty put Stoke ahead but Cleobury slowly gained confidence and were stopped illegally when driving up the middle, giving Smith the chance to claim victory.

Cleobury Mortimer 2nds 29 Stoke Old Boys 19

Mark Little responded to an early Stoke try by rounding off a stunning move up the left touch-line with a try.

With renewed confidence in their pacey back division, Cleobury made it 12-5 with a John Wilks try and Nigel Williams conversion.

Skipper Steve Phillips scored another, emerging from the bottom of a pile of bodies for his third try of the season.

Winger Little completed his brace under the posts after another good set-up to give Williams an easy conversion.

With a 24-5 lead, the home side took their foot off the gas and conceded two converted tries in a five-minute period which made for exciting final stages.

But a late effort inside injury-time finally settled the contest as Wilks found himself on the end of another long passing move to touch down.

Cleobury play their President's Game on Monday against Worcester Wanderers and then hold a 10s tournament on Saturday, May 11.

Any teams interested can call Dave Hinves on 07970 983917.