WORCESTER Wanderers head into the battle of the two counties tomorrow with top billing in Midlands One West (2.15pm).

The Weston’s Fields side took over from Stratford at the summit with a 40-14 home beating of basement boys Walsall.

Wanderers achieved the try bonus point in cold but dry conditions and will head to seventh-placed Hereford in good spirits.

The early pressure came from the hosts and James Aston had the ball dislodged by a cover tackle as he dived over the line.

However, a deft inside pass from Matt Marskell found the supporting Tom Drew, who sprinted in from 15 metres unopposed with Tom Biggs converting.

Aston then crashed over for a try but the referee did not award the score.

The same player continued to create problems alongside strong running from Ben Rhodes, James Gunther and Tom Dodge.

Finally, Aston got the try he richly deserved when driving over in the left-hand corner.

Further tries from Jake Saddington, Rhodes and Dodge, with Biggs adding three conversions, left the half-time score at 33-0.

Walsall took the game to Wanderers throughout the second period, enjoying long periods of possession and territory.

They scored two converted tries, which their tenacity deserved.

Alex Crawshaw finished off a long-range effort from Wanderers when they broke out of their 22 and went the length of the pitch for a good team try.

Stratford slipped off the top with a 36-21 defeat at fifth-placed Whitchurch.

Meanwhile, the RFU Midlands Intermediate Cup second round tomorrow has county clubs at home.

Droitwich host Handsworth, Kidderminster Carolians entertain Spartans and Malvern take on Shrewsbury at Spring Lane.

The Senior Vase second round sees Evesham at home to Cleobury Mortimer and Ledbury playing host to Clee Hill, while Pershore visit Cannock.

Upton travel to Warley in the Junior Vase second round.

Bromsgrove head to Peterborough Lions for National League Three Midlands action.