BROMSGROVE still find themselves at the bottom of National League 3 South West after their twelfth defeat of the season, this time at the hands of Brixham.

With half of the first team missing through injury and absence, and without a genuine fly half in the side, it wasn’t a surprise that Dan Protherough’s side finished on the wrong side of a 27-5 score line.

But despite the lack of form, the head coach was pleased with the performance of his team. Protherough said: “It was really wet and that made it a very difficult game. It was like a mud bath at times.

“We actually started really well, but they managed to get two tries and we ended up going in at half time 12-0 down.

“Then one of our guys got a yellow card and they made us pay. But our efforts paid off at the end when hooker Jamie Atkin got us a try.

“We went there with practically half our regular team. We had so many injuries and players away for various reasons that it was always going to be a struggle. But I couldn’t fault the players for their effort. Everybody who played put a shift in.

“We didn’t even have a recognised fly half playing and I think that was the difference and made it even tougher.

“But overall I’m really pleased with the way the players responded to some very difficult situations.”

Bromsgrove return home this Saturday where they welcome mid-table side Cleve to Finstall Park.

Protherough added: “We’ve had some tough games this season, playing the big teams at home and then having to travel away to the teams around us.

“The fixture list has not been too kind on us, and all the travelling has taken its toll on the team, but we are doing all we can to pick up wins as teams have to travel up to us.

“Cleve had a good win at the weekend and we know we’re going to have to play better if we are to get the points. We need to cut out the mistakes and be more accurate, but I have confidence in the team.

“Being bottom of the league does knock the players’ confidence. If they fall behind you do see more mistakes creep into their game, so we need to come out strong and take our chances, and if we do that then I think we can win.”