Rugby Union
More late agony for Bromsgrove

Leicester Lions 29 Bromsgrove 28

National Two North

FOR THE second away game in a row, Bromsgrove allowed victory to be stolen away from them despite going ahead in the closing stages.

The visitors led 28-22 with just a few minutes left but down to 14 men and coming under increasing pressure, Leicester's superior numbers enabled them to score a pushover try in the corner through Jack Gibbons which was converted by player-coach Jon Boden.

The match started as badly as it finished for Town with Chris MacGregor being sin-binned for an alleged tip tackle.

Lions took advantage of the extra man by winning a penalty which Boden squeezed in off a post, followed by a simple try for Jon Lowden after some inadequate defending.

With numbers restored, Bromsgrove hit back strongly and the excellent Phil Horton strode through a flailing defence to score by the posts, John Critchlow converted.

Maintaining the pressure, Bromsgrove scored again when Dave Hughes was driven over from a catch and drive at a line-out but the feel-good factor soon went as more poor defending allowed Lowden through for his second try, Boden converted.

Lions were now in the ascendancy again and a period of heavy pressure led to hooker Dale Ager scoring from close range but Bromsgrove reduced the arrears with two Critchlow penalties either side of half time.

The game was there for either side to win but it was from a phase of dominance from the home side that Town suddenly turned the tables, winning turnover ball when camped on their own line.

Counter-attacking well, Bromsgrove won a penalty just past halfway which lively young scrum half Dave Brazier took quickly to put Tom Millen over for the score. Critchlow converted and added a penalty ten minutes later to restore the lead.

As was the way two weeks ago against Otley, Bromsgrove made some substitutions in the last quarter which seemed to affect the balance of the side and a chance to stretch their advantage went begging when Critchlow's penalty attempt missed.

That seemed to give the hosts some encouragement and they came back strongly, applying pressure that led to substitute Tom Warren receiving a yellow card before the visitors' suffered late heartbreak.

Newly promoted Darlington Mowden Park are the visitors to Finstall Park on Saturday.

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