KINGS Norton rugby club could be thrown a dramatic lifeline if they can haul themselves off the foot of the Midlands West Three South.

After 11 consecutive league defeats, Kings won their second on the trot against lowly Evesham on Saturday.

The visitors won a dismal match 7-5 late on to record their first two league points of the season.

Norton are level on points with Evesham but their points difference of -437 means they have to finish with more points than the Worcestershire side to climb above them.

But winger Paul McGlynn says he expects two teams to go down this season rather than three which could mean the Hopwood side's fate hinging on Woodrush.

Woodrush pulled out of the league on the eve of the season and if, as expected, they account for one of the relegation spots, Norton could pull off an unlikely escape by finishing off the bottom.

"We don't know what is happening with Woodrush," said McGlynn.

"But if they rejoin at a lower level and we can finish above Evesham, anything can happen."

With three matches to go, Kings have to find another point from somewhere.

And it appears unlikely to come from the match against a visiting Stratford side on Saturday (ko 2.30pm) who have all but secured the title.

Stand off Lee Eldridge is back after a calf injury and second row Chris Handy played as the seconds were heavily beaten by Evesham at the weekend.

Prop Phil Cooksey is expected to play despite an eye injury but back row Phil King is ruled out by work commitments.

If Norton fail to pick up the point they need, the administrative error which saw the unregistered Aidan Brennan play for three matches - incurring a two point fine - could cost the side their Division Three status.