Rugby Union
Bromsgrove win to end poor run of form

Bromsgrove 28 Westoe 10

National Two North

BROMSGROVE ended a run of seven straight defeats with a very welcome victory against Westoe on Saturday.

The victory lifts Bromsgrove above Westoe in the table but they remain in the relegation zone ahead of Saturday's trip to Birmingham and Solihull Bees.

The home forwards were definitely superior in set scrums with prop Paul Norris impressing whilst number eight Phil Horton made frequent breaks in loose play, only to be met by a resolute defence.

Poor handling and good defending led to a number of chances going begging in the early stages but Bromsgrove deservedly got themselves ahead when debutant fly half Bar Bartlett sent a fine crossfield kick towards winger Aaron Higgins who collected and crossed in the corner. Bartlett continued his fine start by adding an excellent conversion.

Westoe tried to respond with a speculative drop goal that was off target before Bartlee and Matthew Mellish exchanged penalties to make it 10-3 at the break.

Bromsgrove were more inventive in the second half with the backs joining attacks more often but again, handling was proving erratic.

Bartlett's penalty made it 13-3 but Westoe closed the gap to three points when fly half Jordan Carey caught a misdirected kick in midfield and created a chance for himself by returning a kick which he won the race to as he went over.

With their recent poor run of form fresh in the mind, Bromsgrove may have been doubting their victory credentials at this stage but the sin-binning of visiting hooker Richard Thirkell allowed Bartlett to make it 16-10.

There was much joy and relief late on when Warren Oliver scored two almost identical tries, one of which Bartlett converted, to secure a much needed victory for Bromsgrove.

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