REDDITCH RFC captain Andy Douglas remained defiant after his struggling side slipped to another defeat on Saturday.

The Kingfishers lost 17-15 at home to Cleobury Mortimer and saw Wil Wilson's last minute kick bounce agonisingly off the woodwork.

"Never say die and I don't think we're dead yet," said the skipper.

"I would never rule out a great escape, there is not one player on our side who will give in before the end.

"It doesn't look good on paper but there is still a chance."

Redditch need to pick up at least five points from a daunting run-in which includes matches against three of the top four sides.

Dunlop, who sit just above the relegation places, beat lowly Berkswell and Butts to move four points ahead of basement boys Redditch.

And with Dunlop enjoying a superior points difference, Redditch need at least two wins and a draw from their last four matches.

Douglas fears his injury-hit season could be ended by an elbow injury. The number eight was hoping to see a physio this week and has already ruled himself out for Saturday's friendly trip to North Midlands Two outfit Birmingham Civil Service (ko 2.30pm).

Youngsters John Holt and Chris Oldfield will be promoted to the first team with regulars like Wilson rested.

Centre Gareth Davies returned on Saturday after a groin injury with prop Karl Thomas on the bench after rib damage.

But back row Tim Harris is on holiday for two weeks and misses the relegation battle at Stoke OB.