The next generation of Moseley players took the first step in emulating their famous forebears when they reached the final of the English National Colts Knock-out Cup with a tense 6-3 win over their London Irish counterparts.
Three Moseley vintages of the 1970s and 80s made similar progress in the Senior Cup more than 20 years ago and, maintaining a strong tradition in the Colts competition, today's Under-18 side will play either London Welsh or Harlequins for the trophy next month.
An early dropped goal by Aaron Higgins was cancelled out by the Exiles who, as the away side, looked to be going through on a tiebreaker until two minutes before the end
when Harry Law put the Birmingham side through to the final at Bedford's Goldington Road ground on May 2.
Head coach Bob Cox expressed his pride in the team's achievement, saying: "Some of the rugby they have played in reaching the final has been brilliant.
"From beating Orrell on their own patch to blowing away Nottingham and becoming the first team to beat London Irish this season, they have done really well."
He added: "What is really great about this team is that 21 of the 22 players we have were with us at under-eight or under-nine level, so this is a real home-grown team, some of whom have had offers to join Premiership academies. But they have turned them down and have been rewarded for their loyalty."
At senior level in Midlands One, Walsall and Bromsgrove made sure of their places in
the division for next season with wins over Broadstreet and Whitchurch respectively.
The Midland rivals are due to play each other in a fortnight in the last round of the regional leagues and both are relieved that bragging rights are all that is at stake.
The Boars' victory over Whitchurch plunges the Shropshire side back into the relegation zone with Derby's unlikely success at Luctonians moving them out of the drop area, ensuring their battle will go to the last day.
Which is the same for the promotion pictures in many of the lower leagues. Burton missed out on elevation from Midlands Two West with an 18-14 loss at Stoke, meaning Malvern are only one point behind as are Camp Hill at the top of Midlands Three West (North) and Barkers Butts in the Southern section, with Newport and Pershore waiting for a slip.
