TYNEDALE'S director of rugby John Shotton believes his side are capable of shooting down table-topping Worcester in the Tetley Bitter Cup on Saturday.

The Sixways side square up to Shotton's troops at Tynedale Park (2.30pm) near Hexham for the fourth round tie hoping to avoid a shock exit.

Worcester have enjoyed a fine start to the season, winning all their National League Division One games, but Shotton knows his team have nothing to lose tomorrow.

He said: "It's 15 men v 15 men so anything is possible. We have nothing to lose whereas Worcester's reputation is on the line.

"It's a game where you don't have to say anything to motivate the team because they all want a crack at the big boys. If we win of course, we could be playing at Saracens."

Shotton knows, however, that cup shocks have become few and far between since professionalism came into rugby and believes the gap between the haves and have-nots is wider than ever.

"The big shocks just do not happen any more and it is sad because it takes some of the magic out of the ties," he said. "To be honest, I just wish the 12 Premiership clubs would just go and let everyone else get on with enjoying rugby."

And despite the poor weather, Shotton can guarantee the game will go ahead.

"The surface is dry and there will be no problem whatsoever. We are all looking forward to the match, it should be a cracker."

Tynedale have had a mixed season so far and lie sixth in Division Three North.

Meanwhile, Worcester fly-half Tony Yapp has been forced to pull out of the Tetley's Bitter Cup team due to a flu-like illness. His place at fly-half has been taken by Ian Calder.