GREYHOUND captain Chris Ricketts says he is confident his side can bounce back next season after their promotion bid fell agonisingly short.

The Dogs lost 17-15 to Market Drayton which resulted in them slipping from first to third place in Midlands 5 West (North).

With both sides level on points going into the game, Greyhound knew a win would guarantee promotion.

But a late penalty from Zack Thompson failed to go over and it was the Shropshire side who were celebrating at the end.

"I thought our preparation was right, it was just down to a bit of bad luck," said Ricketts.

"Some decision didn't go our way at times, but we dust ourselves down and will look forward to next season.

"As long as we keep the majority of our players and try and recruit a few more over the summer, then we will give it another go.

"We were really confident and started the game really well.

"But we were drawn into their forwards' game, especially in the second half.

"They were a big, physical side, but if that kick had gone over, we would have won the game.

"We missed three penalties, but it just wasn't meant to be.

"Everyone was gutted, but it's now all about how you deal with the loss.

"We will regroup and go again next year."

Two tries from Elliot Phillips, with the latter being converted by Thompson, saw Greyhound open up a 12-0 lead at half-time.

The visitors scored a converted try after the break before Thompson kicked over a penalty.

Another converted try saw Market Drayton reduce the deficit to just one point before they kicked over a penalty to ultimately win the match.