Bromsgrove 28, Westoe 10

BROMSGROVE were relieved to return to winning ways at Finstall Park following seven consecutive losses, moving above visitors Westoe in the National Two North table but still with the threat of relegation hanging over them.

The home forwards were superior in set-scrums with prop Paul Norris and number eight Phil Horton making frequent breaks in loose play only to be met by a resolute defence.

Early on, a few scoring chances went begging because of poor handling, but the first score came after 10 minutes and was created by debutant fly-half Bar Bartlett He made a well-placed crossfield kick for right-winger Aaron Higgins to catch and touch down in the corner.

Bartlett kicked the conversion.

During the remainder of the first-half the back-line had few opportunities on a wet and muddy ground. A speculative Westoe drop goal went wide, while Bartlett kicked one penalty from two attempts. Westoe’s scrum-half Mathew Mellish’s penalty got three points just before the interval with Bromsgrove leading 10-3.

After the break, Bromsgrove began to be more inventive. Bartlett extended the lead to 10 points with a penalty goal.

Westoe fly-half Jordan Carey caught a misdirected kick in midfield and created a chance for himself by returning a kick behind the defence with the ball bouncing over the Bromsgrove winger’s head for a a converted try.

A home win seemed now uncertain but visiting hooker Richard Thirkell was sin-binned for repeated infringements and Bartlett took the three points.

But winger Warren Oliver bagged two tries, one converted to seal victory.