BROMSGROVE head coach Dan Protherough insisted his side deserved much better following their 28-21 defeat to third placed Ivybridge in National League 3 South West.

The result means Bromsgrove remain anchored in bottom spot but Protherough claimed: "We should have won the game. We were the better side and everyone involved is gutted we didn't come away with the win.

"We played really well and created lots of chances, enough to have won the game."

Fly half Will Harris and right wing Ollie Bache both bagged tries for Bromsgrove while inside centre James Upton stepped in to take over the kicking duties, slotting over three penalties and a conversion in the absence of shoulder injury victim Jon Critchlow.

It meant Bromsgrove left mid-Devon with a bonus point, although Protherough believes it should have been more.

He added: "The players responded really well following last week's win over Hornets.

"Because of the distance involved, we set off from Bromsgrove at 8.15am. It was a long trip to say the least.

"If we were to get relegated, it wouldn't be the end of the world, because at least it would bring us back into the Midlands again.

"But we're not thinking about that at the moment. We're a match for anyone in this division and as we proved against Ivybridge when we pushed them right to the wire. It was a game between two evenly matched sides but we just came out of it the wrong end.

"All I'm concerned about at the moment is playing well, because if we play well, we're likely to go on and win the game."

Bromsgrove have a huge encounter on their hands this Saturday when they host second from bottom Launceston at Finstall Park.

Protherough added: "It's an important game for both sides and our supporters can play a big part. I hope they turn out in force and get behind us.".

Kick-off is at 2-15pm.