Ledbury RFC host their first ever County game on Wednesday when the combined Herefordshire and Worcestershire side play Greater Birmingham.

The H&W side have won the last five North Midlands Championship titles and began the defence of their Championship on Wednesday night at Telford against Shropshire.

The match ended all-square at 29-29 putting more emphasis on next Wednesday's game at Ledbury which H&W now must win if they are to progress to the finals.

Flying Malvern winger Rob Young celebrated his first cap with two tries during Wednesday's match.

Luctonians' Marcus Marvel opened the scoring for Shropshire with a penalty and went on to amass a personal total of 15 points including two tries.

Droitwich's Sascha Hobbs replied three minutes later and the sides remained evenly matched.

Hereford's Jeremy Grisman scored a try and converted a try from Rob Young to edge the H&W side into a 17-15 half-time lead.

Marvel's second effort 12 minutes after the break edged Shropshire in front but Hereford lock Rob Atkinson and Young's second try completed the scoring.

Two Ledbury players were considered for the squad but unfortunately have had to withdraw through injury and unavailability.

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Squad: Rob McLean (Droitwich), Dave Beech, capt (Malvern), Matt Smith (Kidderminster), Sascha Hobbs (Droitwich), Rob Young (Malvern), Jeremy Grisman (Hereford), Will Price (Luctonians), Chris Maritza (Evesham), Dan Protherough (Droitwich), Tony Heap (Cleobury Mortimer), Derek Livermore (Bromsgrove), Rob Atkinson (Hereford), Andy Watson (Pershore), Nick Godfrey (Droitwich), Mark Gaubert (Malvern), Steve Jacques (Luctonians), Matt Barnsley (Cleobury Mortimer), John Reed (Droitwich), Dave Hill (Malvern), Dan Sparrey (Malvern), Julian Harding (Cleobury Mortimer) and Matt Blackmore (Droitwich).