MATT Birch could be back in the Bromsgrove RFC First XV line-up this weekend if he comes through training unscathed.

Birch, out of action since being crushed between two lorries at work last month, will be tested in the contact arena to see how he stands up.

And a place in the side against Newbold-on-Avon this Saturday at Finstall Park awaits.

Coach Dean Ball said: "We are going to put Matt Birch though his paces this week and if he comes through that he might be in contention for Saturday."

But even if the fly half is not fit to face Newbold, the coach wants him to be part of a championship push.

And Ball wants his team firing on all cylinders by the time title favourites Derby arrive at Finstall Park next month. "If it's going to be a two-horse race, we want to be one of the horses," he said. "I think Derby are the team to beat."