Wolves look forward to derby

Preparation for this weekend's Midland Three West derby between Wolverhampton and Wednesbury could not have been more different for the sides involved.

While a resurgent and confident Wolverhampton were flamboyantly sealing victory against Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent were giving Wednesbury a lesson in their own Woden Road North back yard, beating them 38-0.

But in an unpredictable Midlands Three West league anything can happen so the form book will count for little when the rivals rekindle their relationship at Castlecroft Road on Saturday.

Wolverhampton director of rugby Quentin Webster said: "It's a local derby so it's a completely different kettle of fish.

"Most normal rules go out of the window.

"We know Wednesbury have a very good pack and I imagine it will be another close game. It will be one of those games we have to grind out."

In-form Wolverhampton extended their good run after seeing off Stafford at Newport Road by 29-15.

Tries from Ian Kendrick and Richard Port got the visitors' noses in front before the boot of Jason Gillies kept the hosts at bay.

Gillies also crossed for a try in injury time to scoop the man-of-the-match award and a solo effort from Richard Bolton, who ran in from his own 22, gave the scoreline an unwarranted gloss but clinched a fair result.

Stafford were once again left to rue missed chances, according to their skipper Ben Ryder.

Richard Whatling crossed in the first half to leave the scores tied at half-time and although the hosts were competitive - at 15-15 going into the final ten minutes - they could not turn their possession into points.

Stafford visit Camp Hill on Saturday.