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Staffordshire booked a home tie in the Midlands regional semi-finals of the National Under-20 Championship by beating East Midlands 42-3 in a rearranged group match at Burntwood this evening.
The win helped Staffordshire win Midlands Group A and secured them home advantage against Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire, runners-up in Group B, with the venue and date to be confirmed.
Last season Staffordshire reached the national semi-finals for the first time. After a slow to start to this season's campaign, in which they were held to a draw by Cambridge University in their opening match, Staffordshire have run into form again.
They scored six converted tries against a previously unbeaten East Midlands side and Staffordshire's pack was dominant in the second half that their visitors struggled to get out of their own half.
Hooker Michael Willetts (Adams GS) scored a try in each half to help Staffordshire to victory with winger Ashley Martin (Newcastle-under-Lyme) and centre Lewis Brookes (Burton) crossing in the first half.
Staffordshire's forward dominance was reflected in the award of a penalty try fro a collapsed scrum and replacement forward Richard Thompson of Longton scored their final try five minutes from time.
Gregg Massey of Lichfield converted four of the tries with his younger brother Luke, also from Lichfield, improving the other two.
Jack Wrigglesworth of Bedford landed a first half penalty for East Midlands.
East Midlands will now travel to Moseley to play Group B winners North Midlands on March 16.
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