Rugby Union
Bromsgrove record a welcome victory

Bromsgrove 39 Luctonians 15

National Two North

BROMSGROVE got their roller coaster season back on track on Saturday with a convincing victory over a Luctonians side they had not beaten for nearly 12 years.

Two disappointing defeats had followed the recent shock victory over Stourbridge and therefore tackling a team they held such an indifferent record against may not have been top of Bromsgrove's wish list, but as it turned out, it was just what they needed.

The wet conditions suggested it would be a battle between the forwards with Luctonians' pack noted for their style of play. As the game progressed though, Bromsgrove proved themselves more than capable in both the tight and in open play and enjoyed a territorial advantage throughout.

John Morris and Jon Critchlow exchanged early penalties to get the scoreboard ticking over and despite the home side looking to have the edge at the breakdown, two more penalties for the visitors put them 9-3 ahead.

Bromsgrove, who entertain Sheffield Tigers on Saturday (2.15pm), gradually began to take control when following a series of pick and drives, in which Paul Norris and George Glenn were prominent, they drove to the line where the visitors' lock was shown the yellow card for deliberately collapsing a maul.

Opting for a scrum, Bromsgrove forced their way over the line, allowing the impressive Phil Horton to touch down and Critchlow to convert.

Refusing to take their foot off the gas, Bromsgrove pressed again and when a searing break by James Curgenven set up good field position, the pack set up the opportunity for Critchlow to successfully kick a drop goal and give his side a 13-12 half time lead.

Wing Jack Wardle seized on a loose ball four minutes into the second half and cut through the Luctonians defence for a converted try before Morris cut the gap with a penalty at the other end, making it 20-15.

Bromsgrove maintained their momentum well though and put in a driving maul in the right hand corner was illegally stopped, resulting in lock Alex Davidson being shown the yellow card.

Again the hosts opted for a scrum from which Curgenven cleverly switched play to set up Wilson on a great line, powering through for a third try and a ten point lead.

Ollie Bache was the next to cross after David Hughes and Horton combined well to create the opportunity, Critchlow again converted.

Despite having the game won, Bromsgrove refused to take their foot off the gas and they were rewarded when the tireless Steve Smith scored their fifth try of the contest with Critchlow converting from long range.

Share This

Regional sport »