Bromsgrove 33, Burton 7

BROMSGROVE recorded a sixth straight win in the National Three Midlands with victory over relegation battling Burton.

The win elevated the Boars to fourth, leaving them equal on points with third-placed Nuneaton.

Kicking off into the teeth of a fierce wind, the Boars Bromsgrove had an unexpected bonus when a Burton error led to a lineout near the visitors line.

A powerful drive from the Bromsgrove pack forced Chris Morgan over for the try which Jon Critchlow converted to give the Town an early lead.

Despite enjoying the majority of possession, the hosts struggled to increase their lead in the face of some tenacious defence from the visitors.

Gradually Burton began to work their way back into the game and the pressure eventually told when flanker Jono Parkinson went over for a try near the posts, converted by winger Dewi Williams.

The half finished on equal terms but the wind was always destined to have a strong influence on the final result.

The home side started in positive fashion as Morgan was driven over for his second try, again converted by Critchlow.

The lead was soon extended when winger Dave Lewis crossed in the corner for a fine touch down with Jon Critchlow, whose goal kicking has been a revelation in recent weeks, adding the extras impressively from the touchline.

With 'Grove looking impressive, a further try seemed inevitable and when it came it was a beauty.

Scrum half Harry Anderson put winger Lewis away on the blindside with a beautiful pass and he chipped ahead and outstripped the cover to collect his own kick and score a fine try in the corner. Surprisingly given recent form the otherwise immaculate Critchlow missed the difficult conversion.

Burton hit back with a score of their own but the Staffordshire outfit gave away a penalty try, which Critchlow converted.

Victory against bottom side Dudley next week should see further League progress but sterner tests follow starting with a home fixture at Finstall Park on January 31 against an in form Hinkley side.