BROMSGROVE kept their promotion prospects alive following a battling 14-8 success at Stoke-on-Trent in Midlands One West.

The result means Bromsgrove move to within seven points of second placed Dudley Kingswinford with five games left to play.

Bromsgrove head coach Dan Protherough said: "We were well worth the win. The game was played in quagmire conditions against a team who are fourth in the table.

"But we continually outworked Stoke, especially up front. It was a forward dominated game, but both teams tried to play good rugby in difficult conditions."

Bromsgrove's preparations weren't helped when they got held up in traffic on the M5 and didn't arrive at Stoke until 1.50pm. As a result their warm-up was disrupted.

Front row player Bobby Green, who switched to hooker for the game, secured Bromsgrove's only try while fly-half Richard Mahoney rifled over three penalties to clinch as hard-fought victory.

Protherough added: "If we can win our final five games, then it has been a good season. Although we've lost to leaders Burton and Dudley Kingswinford this season, that hasn't proved our downfall.

"It's the defeats to Stourbridge Lions and Stoke-on-Trent at home that have really hurt us this season.

"But we're now reaching a point where some sides are starting to think about the summer, making it less likely for any upsets".

Bromsgrove entertain out-of-form Rugby Lions this Saturday at Finstall Park but Protherough has warned of hidden dangers.

He stated: "Third from bottom Sutton Coldfield are staging a late charge to try and stave off relegation. They are directly behind Rugby Lions in the table and are playing very well at the moment.

"That situation has suddenly given Rugby Lions an extra incentive and despite their recent poor form, I'm suddenly expecting a much harder game".

Kick-off is at noon.