Melton Mowbray are just two wins away from Twickenham after an excellent 23-10 win against Towcestrians in the Midlands semi-final of the RFU Intermediate Cup.

The Midlands Two (North) side will proudly fly the flag for Leicestershire against Lichfield, who saw off Worcester Wanderers to take their place in the regional final.

If they win that, Melton will then face the winners of the northern regional final for a place at rugby's HQ.

Hugh Middleton, Jordan Curtis and Tom Kempin got the all-important tries, and Phil Stimson slotted a conversion and two penalties in the success.

The match against Lichfield will be a tough task given their rivals are going great guns in Midlands Two (West), but Melton captain Lewis Brooks said everyone is looking forward to the challenge.

He said: "We will go into the game as underdogs, but we feel that we are capable of beating anyone on our day.

"Saturday's game was a fierce encounter, they scored first but we reacted well to that. We defended well and put away our chances.

"It's a boost for the club and we're now one step away from the national semi-finals. Lichfield will be a tough side but we will give it our best shot."

Meanwhile, in the league, it was supposed to be a quiet week but there were plenty of rearranged games.

In Midlands One, Syston battled to an 11-8 win at Mansfield to remain second.

Market Bosworth suffered a 13-10 home setback to nearest rivals Stewarts & Lloyds, and are now three points adrift at the foot of the table.

Coalville took full advantage of their game in hand in Midlands Two (North) to move two points clear of Market Rasen & Louth, who they meet this weekend.

Coalville won 23-5 at Bakewell Mannerians, with Tom Rice (2), Matt Twigg and Gareth Turner among the tries. Pablo Addison kicked a penalty.

Spokesman Mick Richmond said the club are looking ahead with relish, and added: "We were never in danger and it was a good win.

"We're all looking forward to Saturday's match now – bring it on."

Loughborough were edged out 24-22 at Nottingham Moderns but there was better news for Belgrave, who won 18-14 at West Bridgford. Dave Towl (2) and Adam Ord were their try scorers.

In the South section, Market Harborough suffered another postponement and Banbury took advantage to go further clear at the top with a 27-3 win at third-placed Vipers.

Aylestone St James had a welcome victory as they beat Huntingdon 27-10. Tries were scored by Wayne Millard (2), Jake Harmer (2) and scrum-half Jamie Howe. Andy Angell added a conversion.

Club spokesman Glenn Chapman was pleased with the performance, and said: "It was a great win for us against Huntingdon, who have been picking up some good results lately.

"We put some good play together and scored some good tries. We actually finished the game with 12 men but we held strong and kept Huntingdon scoreless for the whole of the second half."

Leicester Forest slipped to a last-gasp 19-15 defeat against Peterborough Lions. Alex Hunt, Gaz Jenkins and Liam Warren scored their tries and player-coach Karl Wesley was hugely disappointed with the late drama.

He said: "Our discipline cost us really, but even with 13 men we scored two tries to put us in front. But they scored in the last minute to win the game."

Elsewhere, Oadby Wyggs won 10-5 at St Neots in Midlands Four (South). Alex Williams scored and Allan Mitchell added a conversion and penalty.

There was also good news for Aylestone Athletic, who won 17-0 at Westwood in Midlands Five (South).

Joe Harris got two tries, Phil Edwards also scored and Kyle Sargeant added a conversion.