Rugby Union
Bromsgrove overcome Nuneaton

Buy photos » Jon Critchlow crosses during Bromsgrove's victory against Nuneaton on Saturday. Picture by Peter Jepson.

BROMSGROVE kicked 2012 off in the best possible fashion on Saturday with a 25-8 National Two North home success against Nuneaton.

The victory, Bromsgrove's ninth of the season, leaves them seventh in the table ahead of Saturday's trip to Preston Grasshoppers who sit one place above them in the table.

Conditions were good for the Nuneaton clash despite the recent poor weather and they suited the hosts who are at their best when playing their rugby on top of the ground.

They had by far the better of the early exchanges, dominating both possession and territory during the first quarter, but had nothing to show for their superiority.

In fact they made several unforced errors and lacked a little bit of spark which was probably down to the long lay-off over Christmas.

Both sides had penalty opportunities around the 20 minute mark and Nuneaton were eventually the first on the scoreboard after 28 minutes when Lee Chapman kicked a penalty from under the posts.

Bromsgrove bounced straight back and after the visitors' centre was yellow carded, James Curvengen kicked the ensuing penalty to level the scores.

It appeared that the scores were going to be locked at 3-3 at half time but Bromsgrove clicked into gear at just the right time as a stylish break from John Critchlow led to him linking with Toby Wilson for the full back to score close to the posts. Curvengen added the extra two points for a 10-3 half time advantage.

Nuneaton had by far their best period of play early in the second half and were camped on Bromsgrove's line, eventually scoring a try through Darren Forder.

Having played an advantage, the referee then showed Nigel Burrows a yellow card for an earlier indiscretion.

Once again though it did not take Bromsgrove long to respond when Nuneaton's previously immaculate fly half Chapman had a clearing kick charged down by Phil Horton who followed up to score.

Bromsgrove were in the ascendency now and they extended their lead through a Curvengen penalty in the 65th minute before another excellent Critchlow break led to a converted try for Warren Oliver.

The hosts came close to securing the four-try bonus point when Olly Bache sprinted the length of the pitch but he was dragged down just short of the line and the chance had gone.