HEAD coach Dan Protherough believes Bromsgrove must learn the lessons of their narrow defeat to Nuneaton on Saturday.

The Boars were edged out 17-15 in a hard fought game where they had been trailing by 17 points before roaring back with three tries.

They nearly earned a draw only for John Critchlow’s conversion to miss the target in a game affected by strong winds.

“If the game had been ten minutes longer we would have won it,” said Protherough.

“We started sluggishly and Nuneaton made us pay for that.

“At 17-0 down I thought we might suffer a big defeat but the players responded well.

“We controlled the game and kept the ball and I thought we played some good rugby.

“In the end we won the game three tries to one against a very good side.

“We’ve just got to make sure we learn from the errors we made early on and go from there.

“We’re trying to make sure we end the season strongly and I have been pleased with our performances.”

There was good news as teenager Sam Montieri did not suffer any lasting damage after being stretchered off with a head injury during the game.

Montieri was taken by George Eliot Hospital but was given a clean bill of health. He may not be risked for Saturday’s home clash against Old Halesonians.

Meanwhile, Protherough felt James Upton was unlucky to be red-carded after retaliating to a clash with Nuneaton’s Lee Wakefield.

Upton is set to face internal discipline at the Finstall Park-based outfit.

He said: “James was unlucky, I felt a yellow card would have been about right.”

Bromsgrove are one place above their Black Country rivals but have lost in the league and cup to Old Hales.

In the league, they were edged out 17-13 at Wassell Grove but since then, the Boars have hit their best form for the season.

“We’ve had two very close games with Old Hales but I think we have improved since we last played them in November,” added Protherough.

“It’s a derby so it’s bound to be close and we’re looking forward to the game.”