BROMSGROVE became the Midlands One West Christmas No.1 with a hard fought, but convincing 42-3 success over local rivals Droitwich.

The result leaves Bromsgrove one point in front of fellow promotion challengers Newbold - the pair having pulled clear of third placed Whitchurch.

Head coach Dan Protherough said: "It was a tough game, especially in the first half but we scored just before half time to make the score 14-3 and that was to prove a crucial point.

"It was a really good win and we ran away with the game towards the end, because the players were aware just how important it was to get as many points as possible on the board.

"We know how crucial that could be come the end of the season.

"I'm delighted that we're top at Christmas but we're taking nothing for granted.

"We start the New Year with a trip to Dudley Kingswinford on January 5 and we know how hard that could be".

Ethan Priest opened Bromsgrove's six-try spree before they were awarded a penalty try after Josh Holt was taken out when on the point of scoring.

Holt went onto add a further try in the second half along with centre Ed Spalding, No.8 Drew Harper and fly half James Upton.

Accurate scrum half Adam Whiteman converted all six tries to seal victory.