BROMSGROVE'S bad run of luck continues to haunt them after they suffered a narrow 20-15 home defeat to Cleve in National Three South West.

The Finstall Park side thought they had secured a potential winning try when second row Sam Knott crashed over from two yards out.

But the referee ruled the try out claiming there had been a forward pass - a decision that proved pivotal to the outcome.

Bromsgrove head coach Dan Protherough said: "Everyone thought Sam had scored and a big cheer went up. I couldn't believe it when the referee called them back. It looked an obvious try, a flop over, but it's these fine margins that keep going against us.

"I couldn't ask anymore of the players, they showed real heart. Everyone put in a fantastic shift and we just have to keep believing.

"On a positive note we have a number of key players missing at the moment who should be back after Christmas."

Bromsgrove took an early lead through a try from full back George Grieve but then spent much of the first half on the defensive and went 12-5 down before Jon Critchlow cut the deficit with a penalty to make the half time score 12-8.

Cleve added a try and penalty after the break to go 20-8 in front before Bromsgrove battled back.

Knott's disallowed try failed to knock them out of their stride and they duly claimed a bonus point when winger Ollie Baches went over to score with Critchlow converting.

Protherough added: "It was always going to be a tough season. You will always get two or three players who can't make the long distance trips for various reasons.

"But I'm confident we will have a much more settled side in the New Year and that will make a big difference with players like Tom Hardwick, Paul Norris and Will Harris coming back from injury.

"There are a number of games which we've lost by less than a score and we just need to turn that around. It is fine margins and we just have to keep going."

Bromsgrove take a Christmas break but return to action on January 7 when they visit top of the table Dings Crusaders.