BROMSGROVE head coach Dan Protherough believes the future looks promising for his Finstall Park side despite their relegation from National League 3 South West this season.

The long distance trips to the South West threatened to leave Bromsgrove's season in turmoil and Protherough admitted: "This has been the toughest season I've ever had in rugby and at one stage, I really feared for the side and had we taken a hammering, I don't really know what would have happened.

"I've seen what it has done to club's like Malvern, who suffered a double relegation after being in a similar position to us.

"But the tremendous spirit shown by the lads has kept me going and in some respects has made the season quite rewarding as we've managed to come out in a reasonably good position.

"Their commitment and effort has never wavered when other people would have given up the ghost.

"Already I can see the shoots of recovery. We've got four or five very good youngsters coming through and I see no reason why we shouldn't be challenging for honours next season."

Bromsgrove took a youthful side to Bracknell last Saturday and lost out 29-15.

Protherough said: "We gifted them two soft tries in the first half and didn't deal with their line speed very well.

"It didn't help that No.8 Tom Hardwick failed a fitness test before the game as we were already missing Kevin Salisbury and Guy Field from the pack.

"In total, we were four to five players down, so in that respect, it was a really good effort."

Ethan Priest took over at No.8 and secured as try along with Sam Bastock while Jon Critchlow kicked one conversion and a penalty.

Bromsgrove play their final home fixture of the season this Saturday when they entertain Brixham.