Rugby Union
Bromsgrove fall to Caldy defeat

Caldy 21 Bromsgrove 10

National Two North

THERE was a disappointing start to the new year for Bromsgrove on Saturday as they fell to defeat at Caldy in a game they dominated for large periods.

The forwards were so far on top in the first half that it was a travesty to their endeavours that they went in at half time a point behind. The front row were dominant in all phases with George Glenn being prominent, well supported by Kev Salisbury and Paul Norris. Behind them, Steve Smith and Wayne Cooper also performed well and it was only when the latter went off concussed early in the second half that Bromsgrove's dominance declined.

The back row were their usual abrasive selves and all this gave scrum half Dave Brazier a good platform to work from which he used well.

But despite their territorial superiority, Town failed to turn it into points, missing kickable penalties, spurning other opportunities and failing to deal with Caldy’s strong counter-attacks - with young half backs Brazier and Bar Bartlett pulling off try saving tackles.

Caldy went ahead when desperate defending from the visitors saw them concede a penalty which Richard Vasey converted.

It was not until the 38th minute that Bromsgrove got themselves on the scoreboard when Glenn went over in the corner following good work from Warren Oliver, Brazier and Bartlett.

The lead proved to be short-lived though as Vasey's drop goal on the stroke of half time gave Caldy the narrowest of interval leads.

They stretched their advantage in the first quarter of the second half though as they achieved parity up front, allowing their backs to attack from close range, rather than relying on the long range attacks of the first half.

Vasey added another penalty in the 45th minute and that was followed by Gavin Roberts crossing for a converted try five minutes later.

Town were still in the game at this stage but poor decision making and errors at critical moments cost them dear, and it was the hosts who extended their lead after 65 minutes when winter John Parker had too much pace for the visiting defence.

A flurry of Bromsgrove substitutions added a bit more spark to the performance but regrettably for the visitors they were still not clinical enough to add any more scores.

Bromsgrove, who sit 11th in the table, entertain fourth placed Otley tomorrow (2.15pm).

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