GRASS ROOTS

RAISING THEIR GAME Creating a clubhouse on stilts is the ambition of flood-bedevilled Midlands Premier club Bridgnorth. The project is boosted by the financial backing of an unnamed vice-president, who has offered an interest-free loan. The scheme, which includes a multi-sports facility for the wider community, will cost about £2.3m.

Last February, Bridgnorth’s Edgar Davies Ground, alongside the River Severn, was left underwater, causing £65,000-worth of damage to the pitch, buildings and equipment. The club has since received grants from the RFU and Sport England, and been helped by volunteers working at cost price.

Bridgnorth chair Karen Sawbridge said: “It has been a difficult spell for us but everyone has pulled together.”

GOLDEN TIES Dudley Kingswinford, promoted last season to Midlands Premier, have produced a limited-edition centenary tie which adds a gold accent to their traditional navy and sky blue.

It echoes DK’s first season in 1920. They played under