BROMSGROVE came within a whisker of winning their third National League 3 South West contest this week only to finish up losing out 22-18 against Newton Abbot.

Once again, luck deserted Bromsgrove, especially when full back Jon Critchlow twice struck the upright with a couple of penalty shots.

Bromsgrove head coach Dan Protherough admitted: "It was so frustrating. We played really well and deserved to win. It didn't help that we spilt the ball with the try line at our mercy.

"It's equally annoying that we conceded needless points to Newton Abbot through indiscipline."

Wingers Josh Holt and Ollie Bache crossed for tries, one of which was converted by Critchlow who also added a couple of penalties.

Despite picking up a bonus point, the defeat virtually consigns Bromsgrove to relegation, Protherough added: "We'd already accepted our fate and that we'll be playing in Midlands One West next season.

"But to be honest, if someone offered me another season in the South West or Midlands One West, I'd take Midlands One West every time.

"The travelling involved in the South West has killed us but that hasn't been the reason why we will be relegated.

"We've lost six or seven home games by less than a score this season and that's the reason we find ourselves where we are. We haven't been able to finish sides off at home."