TWO TRIES in extra-time ended Bromsgrove’s hopes of progressing in the North Midlands Cup as Birmingham & Solihull claimed a dramatic victory at Finstall Park.
In an enthralling encounter, Bromsgrove clawed themselves back from 21-8 down at the break to get back on level terms and finished normal time with the scoreboard on 27-27.
All the momentum appeared to be with Dan Protherough’s men as Paul Norris clashed over on the 90th minute, but there was one final sting in the tale as Bees crossed twice to secure the win.
Keen to avenge their last gasp defeat a few weeks ago, the visitors started off at pace and within three minutes scored the opening try through Robi Deli. Jack Jolly added the extras.
Bromsgrove hit back, though, as Matt Shephard marked his debut on the wing to score and close the gap to 7-5.
The next 15 minutes were nip and tuck and both teams playing at an intense pace but Bees coming out the better with two converted tries.
This left Boars facing a 21-5 deficit, but a late James Upton penalty gave his side the boost they needed as they came out fighting in the second half.
Shephard once again outgassed the defending players to make it a brace, which was converted by Upton who had now found his kicking rhythm to make it 21-21.
It was becoming a classic for the neutral and a nail biter for the partisan supporter as two more penalties for each side saw normal time come to a close with the score level.
The first ten minute period of extra time continued in the same fashion and within seconds Norris was driven over to take the lead at the turn around.
But the visitors responded with two unconverted tries of their own to snatch victory.
