HEAD coach Dan Protherough was left scratching his head after Bromsgrove slipped to a 38-26 defeat at Lichfield.

There were mixed emotions as the Boars produced one of their best attacking displays but were not at their best defensively.

Defeat means the Boars are fourth in the table in the Midlands National Three.

Tom Hunt bagged a brace of tries, and touchdowns for Jon Critchlow and James Upton earned the Finstall Park outfit a bonus point.

Upton tucked away two conversions as Bromsgrove had battled back from a 26-12 deficit at half-time.

The game had been in the balance – a try for the Boars would have sealed a fine away win – but it was Lichfield who bagged a late score to seal their victory.

Protherough said: “It was a tough game to call.

“Going forward I believe that is the best we have played, we scored four tries and played some really good stuff.

“But we didn’t match that in terms of a defence, which is unusual because we have defended well for quite some time.

“We got back into the game well and the game was in the balance but Lichfield scored late on.”

Bromsgrove have a week off to recharge their batteries before returning to league action at home to Longton on February 21.

Dave Hughes suffered a recurrence of a persistent hip problem but fingers are crossed he’ll be fit after a break from a testing season.

The Boars remain in the play-off hunt, and sit just seven points behind second-placed Peterborough Lions.