TABLE-TOPPERS Bromsgrove have been warned not to take anything for granted when they head to lowly Longton tomorrow (Saturday).
The Boars opened a six-point gap at the top of Midlands One West after chalking up a 55-22 home win against Hereford, while second-placed Newbold on Avon suffered a second defeat of the season.
Head coach Dan Protherough suggested Bromsgrove were flattered by the final scoreline as Hereford scored three tries in the final five minutes.
Josh Holt led the way for the Boars with three tries with Ethan Priest, Bobby Green, Ed Spalding, Sam Bastock and Kai Douglas also crossing the whitewash.
Adam Whiteman landed six conversions and a penalty.
Protherough, though, felt his side were ill-disciplined at times and urged his players to tighten up on their control after conceding too many penalties.
He predicted another tough game when they head to third-from-bottom Longton, whose form has improved latterly with three wins.
BROMSGROVE Crusaders opened 2019 with a 10-7 friendly victory last Saturday against visitors Stourbridge 4ths.
It was their third win in as many games, against their opponents.
A starting line-up that featured seven players over the age of 55 was always going to prove a challenge against a more youthful Stourbridge, but the extra experience and passion in the ranks seemed to drive the Crusaders over the line.
In the first half, the hosts had the lion’s share of possession, but were left to rue a number of missed opportunities and mistakes at crucial moments.
Hooker Jack Mac was close to scoring twice for Bromsgrove, as he made several dangerous runs for Stourbridge’s try-line, but was denied by poor handling.
The first score finally came when a series of plays ended with scrum-half Neil Hodgkins receiving the ball, and by evading a number of challenges, he crashed over the line for a try on his club debut.
Hodgkins proved to be a thorn in Stourbridge’s side by constantly putting pressure on the visitors and breaking down their periods of play on the ball.
Stourbridge levelled before half-time when spreading the play out wide and forcing an opening to claim a try.
Going into the second half, Bromsgrove had dig in to hold off Stourbridge’s surges into their half, but with 20 minutes to play, they managed to edge themselves in front. Captain Martin Lakeman received the ball out wide and pushed past the Stourbridge defence to bundle his way over the line.
Whilst Stourbridge looked to find a response, and tempers flared with decisions going against them, they ultimately ran out of time with Bromsgrove claiming a win after a monumental effort.
The Crusaders next host Warley on Saturday (2.15pm).
