Rugby Union: Tony Wheat expects battle as clubs find out opponents for 2014 ...

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TONY Wheat is expecting a tough battle at the top after Longton’s National League Three Midlands opponents for next season were confirmed.

Bromsgrove and Dudley Kingswinford have dropped down from the league above, while Burton, Lichfield and Peterborough Lions have all been promoted from their respective Midlands divisions.

And the scramble to finish in the top three of the division – which is level five in rugby structure – has never been more crucial because of radical restructuring which is due to come into force in 2015.

The leading trio in the division will join forces with those at level four, while other clubs will link up with Midlands sides to create a new level five.

Former director of rugby Wheat, who now works on the commercial and publicity side at Longton, is anticipating a competitive season.

“It looks like it’s going to be a solid league. I don’t think there’s going to be anyone who will run away with it,” said Wheat, pictured.

“Broadstreet went up last season, and they wouldn’t have been one of my picks at the start.

“They didn’t spend a lot of money, but they had a season you dream of – where you don’t get a lot of injuries and you can field a settled team.

“This year I think it is very difficult to pick out a favourite.

“Dudley and Bromsgrove will both be decent, Lichfield and Burton will be on a high after promotion, but the big unknowns are Peterborough Lions.

“I’m sure they will be competitive, but it will be interesting to face them.”

There’s some derby tussles on the agenda in Midlands One West next season with Stoke, Leek and Crewe and Nantwich all facing each other.

Leek won Midlands Two West North, while Crewe and Nantwich were also promoted from the division after winning their play-off against Banbury.

Newport drop into the division after being relegated from Longton’s division.

Worcester Wanderers, who have a link with the city’s professional side, and Coventry-based Earlsdon are the other newcomers in the division.

Stafford are the area’s representatives in Midlands Two West North for 2014/15.

They enjoyed a strong second half of the season to ensure that they managed to stave off the threat of relegation.

They’ll face some new opposition next season with Kidderminster Carolians among the new sides to join the division.

Newcastle, Eccleshall and Uttoxeter will continue to ply their trade in Midlands Three West North.

Aston Old Edwardians are one of the fresh teams after being relegated from Midlands Two West North last season.

The Midlands set-up will also welcome Church Stretton into the league pyramid for the first time.

The Shropshire club was formed by rugby enthusiasts last year and played their debut match last August.

They have now entered the league structure at Midlands Five West North after playing friendly matches last season.

National Three Midlands: Bournville, Bromsgrove, Burton, Dudley Kingswinford, Hinckley, Lichfield, Longton, Nuneaton, Old Halesonians, Peterborough Lions, Sandbach, Scunthorpe, South Leicester, Sutton Coldfield.

Midlands One West: Barkers Butts, Berkswell Balsall, Crewe Nantwich, Earlsdon, Hereford, Kenilworth, Leek, Newport, Silhillians, Stoke on Trent, Stratford upon Avon, Walsall, Whitchurch, Worcester Wanderers.

Midlands Two West (North): Bridgnorth, Camp Hill, Kidderminster Carolians, Ludlow, Moseley Oak, Old Saltleians, Shrewsbury, Stafford, Stourbridge Lions, Tamworth, Veseyans, Wolverhampton.

Midlands Three West (North): Aston Old Edwardians, Bloxwich, Burntwood, Clee Hill, Eccleshall, Edwardians, Handsworth, Harborne, Newcastle, Uttoxeter, Wednesbury, Willenhall.

Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/477487/Brown-injury-boost-for-England

Rugby Union: Tony Wheat expects battle as clubs find out opponents for 2014 ...