Bromsgrove 23, Stockport 10

BROMSGROVE cemented their mid-table position in National North Two with a hard-earned win over Stockport.Windy conditions made creative rugby tough for both sides and the Boars’ success came about because they used the conditions better than the visitors.

Stockport had the breeze at their backs in the first-half but after fairly even opening exchanges it was the home side who took the lead.A well-rehearsed catch and drive from a line-out saw Drew Harper force his way over for an unconverted score.The visitors hit back after 15 minutes through a Paul Ralph try. Josh Longmore added the extras.Bromsgrove tried to reassert themselves but found it tough going against the Stockport forwards, while unforced errors didn’t help their cause.A Longmore penalty ensured that the visitors took a 10-5 lead into the break.The Bromsgrove coaching team made a tactical switch at the interval with Jon Critchlow reverting to full-back, while Caolan Ryan moved to fly-half.It worked well with the new stand-off’s kicking from hand causing problems. With 15 minutes of the half gone the Boars drew level when skipper Tom Warren went over following sustained pressure.Critchlow kicked a penalty with 10 minutes to go to put the hosts back in front and Ryan extended the lead to six points with a drop goal.Stockport pushed hard for a way back but the game was sealed when Aaron Higgins intercepted a pass and raced 50 metres for the score.The Boars travel to Hull Ionians on Saturday (ko 2pm).