REDDITCH and Five Ways Old Edwardians go into Saturday's North Midlands One derby knowing the winner could go top of the table.

In the tightest of leagues, mid-table Old Eds and Redditch are only two points behind leaders Veseyans.

But the rivals had contrasting fortunes in their weekend away from league action.

Hopwood outfit Five Ways squeezed home 20-18 against North Mids Three Bredon Star in the first round of the North Midlands Junior Cup.

The Kingfishers fielded a mixed side against the second string of Midlands Three West North leaders Kidderminster and were on the wrong end of a 17-7 scoreline.

And Redditch skipper Mark Rose said his side need to bounce back to keep their promotion ambitions alive.

Rose expects to recall fly half Mark Morris, centre Kenny Hadley and full back Neil Hodgkins for Saturday's trip (ko 2.15pm).

Bizarrely, Redditch had referee trouble for a third time this season.

A cup fixture against Berkswell and Balsall had to be replayed early in the season after the ref twisted his ankle suffering a ligament tear.

Last week the official turned up an hour late and in Saturday's friendly the referee limped off at half time after injuring his calf and a Redditch member had to take over.

Winger Joe Lindley, centres Lee Egerton and Lee Heaver, scrum half Gerwyn Jones and fly half Tony Strapp are expected to be available for Five Ways at the weekend.