Bromsgrove 31, Lichfield 33

BROMSGROVE were edged out by Lichfield in a nine try thriller on Saturday.

The Boars will be disappointed with themselves to have lost, but they were not accurate enough in attack, neither was their defence of the required standard and their lineout failed to function.

Despite all that they could so easily have won the game.

Lichfield started the stronger with their young back division threatening and deservedly went ahead after 10 minutes through centre Greg Massey, converted by Luke Massey.

The hosts gradually eased their way back into the match and on 30 minutes were awarded a penalty which Jon Critchlow converted.

Soon after, good work by Phil Horton gave Critchlow the space to go over by the posts which he converted.

The visitors came straight back and after a speculative chip and chase winger Rich Fielding touched down first after the bounce of the ball eluded two home defenders.

Back came Grove and a lot of forward pressure eventually led to a classic scrum half try for Will Harris, which Critchlow added the extras to, from wide out for a 17-14 half-time lead.

This should have given the hosts a good platform and that appeared to be the case as they battered the visitors line early in the half, but a rush of blood from the previously impressive Critchlow saw his pass intercepted by Greg Massey who ran the length of the pitch to score.

Lichfield extended their lead with a try in the corner by Paul Maxwell-Keys converted by Massey.

Bromsgrove reduced the deficit when Chris Morgan crashed over for a converted try to leave them trailing by just four points.

But Lichfield winger Dan Rowlands was awarded a try in the corner despite taking out the corner flag.

Despite forcing a penalty try late on, Bromsgrove did not have the time to snatch victory at the death.