CLEOBURY Mortimer's cracking Powergen Junior Vase run is clearly rubbing off on their league form as they won 15-13 at Midlands Four West South rivals Worcester Wanderers.

In a tight game, all Cleobury's tries followed a similar pattern, being scored on the blind side of rucks after a series of drives had created a platform.

Worcester were at pains to point to the fact that they were short of a couple of second row forwards for the clash, but Cleobury were also missing key players.

The injured Jamie Taylor was replaced by utility forward Jon Banford, while Colin Smith came in for centre Steve Morris, who was on compassionate leave, and hooker Mat Barnsley was on holiday so Chris Price stepped up from the seconds.

Cleobury struck first when a blind side move found winger James Manley who burst through for his eighth try of the season before Worcester hit back with an unconverted try of their own.

Both side's kickers missed penalties in blustery conditions and Cleobury again seized the initiative with a second try when stand-in skipper Allan Shields dived over in the corner.

Leading 10-5 at the interval the Mortimer men extended their advantage when Chris Price touched down and Shields' penalty was only the width of a post away from putting them further ahead.

A penalty and a try from Worcester brought them to within two points of Cleobury who were relieved to see the conversion fail as they held on for the win which moves them up to fourth in the table.