WOODRUSH have applied to rejoin the Midlands Three West South so they can be relegated and play Division Four rugby next season.

The Icknield Street side pulled out of the league on the eve of the season after an exodus of players and spent a season in the wilderness playing friendlies.

But the Hopwood side want to rejoin the league and chairman Simon Peace says the RFU have two options.

"The RFU Competitions sub-committee will decide later this month," he said. "They can either let us rejoin Division Three and be relegated as the bottom side or we will have to rejoin the ladder at the bottom, in the North Midlands Three.

"We want to play in the Midlands West Four South next season.

"We have written to 35 clubs in Division Four and its feeder leagues the Warwickshire One, North Midlands One and Staffs One and have had 29 replies in support, two against and four who have not replied so we think we have a strong case.

"If our wish is granted it will not have a knock-on effect apart from to maybe save a Division Three side from the drop."

If the RFU grant Woodrush's wishes Kings Norton could be granted an unexpected reprieve.

After an awful season which began with 11 consecutive defeats, 520 points conceded and a two point fine, Norton could incredibly escape the drop by finishing above Evesham.

Norton's home match against leaders Stratford was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch on Saturday. But the visitors were still crowned champions after second-placed Leamington drew 3-3 with lowly Old Leams.

The Ash Lane side are set to visit Bournville for a friendly on Saturday (ko 3pm) but supporters are advised to check with the club before setting out on 0121 445 3340. Prop Phil Cooksey is fit after an eye injury, and second row Chris Handy is in line for a place on the bench.

Centre Pete May (flu) and prop Guy Walton are also available but back row Phil King is out through work commitments and centre Ian Jackson is probably out for the season after suffering a back injury in the Thirds' 40-0 defeat at Stourport.

Evesham went down 24-14 to Bedworth.