Coalville have the Midlands Two (North) title in their sights following a thrilling 23-17 win over main rivals Market Rasen & Louth.

It was one of several exciting games as Leicestershire sides showed their title credentials.

Coalville are now four points clear after a nip-and-tuck match which saw the lead change hands a number of times.

Dave Mayne kicked an early penalty but the visitors hit back with a try. Tom Rice then crossed and Mayne converted as the hosts led 10-5.

Market Rasen went ahead but Matt Twigg hit back with a try and Mayne again converted to put Coalville 17-12 up. However, it was all square at the break as Rasen scored their third try.

Coalville dominated the second half and a Mayne penalty and Michael Richmond drop-goal gave them the edge.

Spokesman Mick Richmond said: "It was a fantastic game. Full credit to Market Rasen, who came with every intention of winning.

"There was a great crowd and, although it wasn't good for my heart, it was a cracking game!"

Hinckley's promotion chase is back on following a dramatic weekend of events in National Three Midlands.

They beat Kenilworth 20-13 with David Peck scoring both tries. Guy Swadling kicked a penalty, drop-goal and conversion, and Joe Glover also added a conversion.

Hinckley are just three points behind second-placed Bromsgrove, who lost at Longton.

Meanwhile, leaders Ampthill will have 10 points deducted for a breach of regulations surrounding a postponement, so things have opened up.

Syston emerged from their clash against Midlands One leaders Scunthorpe with a hard-earned point following an absorbing 32-32 draw which keeps them well in the promotion hunt.

Adam Davey (2), Warren Coles, Luke Coltman and Charlie Allen were on the scoresheet and Coles added seven points with the boot.

Market Harborough kept the pressure on leaders Banbury in Midlands Two (South) as they beat a depleted Leicester Forest side 33-8. Dan Bailey and Michael Goode scored two apiece and Ben Pain also crossed. Billy Blair kicked the points.

For Forest, player-coach Karl Wesley scored a try and James Coulthurst kicked a penalty.

Ashby remain a point clear of Oakham in Midlands Three (North) as both registered wins.

Oakham cruised to a 61-13 win at Southwell but Ashby's win was much tighter as they scraped through 17-15 against Mellish.

In other games, South Leicester came back from Peterborough with a 22-22 draw in National Three Midlands. Dom Green scored a try and Mark Lord added five penalties and a conversion.

Market Bosworth lost 61-14 at home to Mansfield in Midlands One but Melton kept up their good form in Midlands Two (North).

The Intermediate Cup regional finalists edged out Belgrave 21-18. Dave Towl scored twice for Belgrave.

In the southern section, Lutterworth had a cracking 24-5 win against Vipers. Their scorers were Tom Goldsworthy and Rob Sands, while Robin Eager kicked four penalties and a conversion.

Aylestone St James beat Old Newts 11-6. Paul McNeil kicked two penalties for Newts but Blane Howe replied with two three-pointers and Devon Constant scored a late winning try.

In Midlands Four (South), Oadby Wyggs went on the rampage as they beat Oundle 72-8. Allan Mitchell scored 32 points as he crossed four times and added six conversions.

Joe Lunn grabbed a hat-trick and Olly Mills, Bob Beevers, Alex Williams and Jack Boothby all scored. Beevers added a conversion and drop goal.

Stoneygate lost 44-18 to Rushden & Higham, while Aylestone Athletic beat Westwood 24-14.