CAPTAIN Mark Austin says Greyhound are aiming to put last season's disappointment to bed in the best possible way by winning Midlands 5 West (North).

The Hereford outfit missed out on promotion last year after losing to Market Drayton in a last day 'winner-takes all' match.

This season's campaign again looks like being a closely fought contest, with only five points separating the two three sides.

But after beating promotion rivals Bishop's Castle 24-17 on Saturday, Austin – who was sent off in the match – is confident is side can finally get back to Midlands 4 West (North).

"We knew it was probably going to be our biggest game this year," said Austin, who explained he was dismissed for striking an opponent.

"They scored mainly from our mistakes, but when we put our game play together, we made a lot of ground and worked the ball up the field.

"We kept them in their half for a lot of the game and it was a shame we couldn't finish off more chances.

"But we knew they would be hard opposition."

Fly-half Kev Murphy kicked over three conversions as well as a penalty and said he's been pleased with his form.

"I think I have stepped up well with the kicking duties and haven't missed many this year," he said.

"There's a bit of pressure, but I like it.

"I thought we played well but had a bit of lull just after half time.

"But the boys reacted well and switched back and defended well.

"And the scrum held well even after Mark's sending off."

Bishop's Castle went ahead in the eighth minute when winger Daniel Lewis went over in the corner; Tom Forster converting.

However, Greyhound hit back just two minutes later thanks to an Oli Paton try that Murphy converted.

And the home side went ahead in the 17th minute.

Good build-up play eventually led to Dewi Williams crashing over, with Murphy again adding the extras.

However, Bishop's Castle came back again with a breakaway try.

Good work by Lewis Kai and Forster led to Will King scoring under the posts.

Forster's conversion made it 14-14.

Greyhound managed to go into the interval ahead though when Mikey Weaver scored a try on the stroke of half time; Murphy converting.

Bishop's Castle did reduce the arrears to four points with a Forster penalty two minutes into the second half, but from thereon in, Greyhound defended well.

Murphy retained their seven point advantage with a penalty in the 63rd minute before he missed another three pointer.

But that proved immaterial as Greyhound held on for a vital win in their push for promotion.