WOODRUSH inched closer to the title at the weekend with a 38-7 win at home to Coventry Welsh which leaves them effectively one win short of the championship.

Although mathematically Wood-rush need three points for the silverware, one win should be enough, given their impressive points difference advantage on title-rivals Southam.

And if Southam - who this week lost prop Perris Wilkins to a six-week ban after his alleged punch on Woodrush opposite number Chris Meads fractured an eye socket - falter, Woodrush could be crowned champions with a win at home to neighbours Alcester a week on Saturday.

But before the derby against an Alcester side who beat Woodrush earlier in the season, Matt Elwell's side are at home to lower league Chaddesley Corbett in the North Midlands Vase on Saturday (ko 3pm).

Woodrush coach Elwell is insisting he will chop and change on Saturday to give fringe players a chance to stake their claims and rest a sizeable portion of his small first team.

"We mean no disrespect to the cup but our focus is on the league," said Elwell, "there are five or six second-team players who are pressing and this will be an ideal chance to take a look at them."

And Elwell was quick to praise officials who slapped a ban on Wilkins after a hearing on Wednesday night.

"It sends out a message to my players, their players and everyone, that they will not accept violent conduct on a rugby pitch," he added. "It is a physical game but when it is an incident like that it's not acceptable.

"We feel somewhat vindicated and this decision is a success for rugby."

Wilkins had already served a four-week internal ban imposed by Southam and will now sit out most of the rest of the season.

Woodrush made the most of a strong wind to sprint into a 26-0 half-time lead against Coventry Welsh.

Paul Moppett went over after just two minutes and Jacko Maddocks added a try eight minutes later. Andy McGrann and Andrew Paul also crossed with Steve Smart adding three conversions.

Further tries from Maddocks and Ed Lerner - and another Smart conversion - gave the hosts a 38-0 advantage before the Welshmen replied with a late try.