By Elliott Josypenko
February 16 2005

Solihull have expressed quiet contentment with the Powergen Vase draw which has paired them with North Bristol in the semi-finals. The Sharmans Cross Road side went through to the last four on Saturday after a resounding 44-7 thrashing of rivals Worcester Wanderers and now it only the Almondsbury outfit stand between them and a first appearance at Twickenham.

Soilihull have been drawn away but the tie, which is due to be played on March 5, is evenly balanced with both sides top of their respective leagues.

Both teams are currently playing at level eight of the rugby pyramid, with North Bristol leading the Gloucester Premier division and Solihull at the summit of Midlands Four West (South).

"We are quite pleased with the draw," said secretary Phil Watson. "We are in fantastic heart after Saturday's win and everybody at the club cannot wait to get into the game."

Watson, who scored three of Solihull's seven tries in the defeat of Worcester, said that they would try to get the match moved to Sunday March 6 so that both sides could attract better support.

The club's professional arm, Pertemps Bees, are playing Bedford Blues on the same day in the Powergen Shield and Solihull feel they would be better supported if their match was put back.

Brian Dick- Birmingham Post