Rugby Union
Late penalties deny Bromsgrove victory

Birmingham and Solihull Bees 18 Bromsgrove 18

National Two North

INDISCIPLINE proved costly for Bromsgrove on Saturday when they had to settle for a draw at a muddy Portway.

Bromsgrove worked hard to get themselves in front and held a six-point advantage going into the closing stages but they conceded two penalties, to add to a growing list of other offences throughout the afternoon which allowed the hosts to draw level.

A bright start failed to bring reward for the visitors and Bees gradually took the opportunity to get on top through their superior set piece.

With Bromsgrove struggling to compete in the scrum Bees were awarded three penalties, all of which Jack Jolly sent through the posts to make it 9-0.

Bromsgrove showed great resolve though and came storming back into contention when excellent work by Phil Horton in the 25th minute saw him feed Charlie Jones who went about 30m before cutting inside to score, Bar Bartlett added the conversion.

The remainder of the half was evenly contested with Bartless and Jolly exchanging penalties to see the home side go in 12-10 ahead at the break.

Bromsgrove made a far more positive start to the second half, playing tight and controlled driving rugby with Chris MacGregor and Chris Morgan prominent.

They battered away at the home side who eventually showed signs of cracking when prop Matt Long was carded. Bromsgrove remained on top but failed to take advantage of the extra man and Bees held out.

However, no sooner were they restored to their full quota than captain Will Radburn was sin-binned.

This time Town did take advantage when a line-out was caught and driven for Morgan to go over. Bartlett was unable to convert but did add a penalty shortly afterwards to make it 18-12.

Bromsgrove were a little disappointed to only return eight points whilst playing with an extra man for 20 minutes and it was eventually to cost them as Jolly converted the two late penalties to earn his side a draw.

Bromsgrove renew acquaintances with Dudley Kingswinford at Finstall Park on Saturday (2.15pm).

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