Hinckley 26, Bromsgrove 0

BROMSGROVE paid the price for a poor start as they were defeated by the National Midlands Three leaders.

With the first-team pitch waterlogged, the game was played on the surface used by the thirds, a very narrow sloping pitch with short posts listing heavily to one side.

But while the Boars struggled to get going, the hosts took control with their kicking game.

Hinckley’s backs started to pound the visitors' defence from the off and after only five minutes Mitch Lamb opened the scoring with a try.

Craig Mortlemans was crashing into the Hinckley midfield to provide a platform for Bromsgrove, but they rarely entered the Hinckley half. Inaccurate kicking was providing Hinckley with ball, and from one such attack Huw Marsden found his way to the try line and with Mark Lord converting, the try extended the lead to 12-0.

In the 17th minute a series of scrums wore down the patience of the referee, who awarded Hinckley a penalty try which Lord converted to take Hinckley 19-0 into the lead.

The hosts completed the scoring before the break when Tom Morris added their fourth try, which was converted by Lord.

Early in the second half, replacement Greg Campion was sinbinned.

Despite playing with 14 men, this spurred on the away side to prevent Hinckley from scoring.

Even when the home team had a player sent off, Bromsgrove could not take advantage and slipped one place to fifth in the league.

and their next match is at Finstall Park on Saturday against Lichfield.