BROMSGROVE took another giant stride towards winning the Midlands One West title with a workmanlike 31-17 success over Old Halesonians.

Head coach Dan Protherough was quick to admit: "We weren't at our best and didn't really click until the second half.

But it's the sign of a good side that we weren't particularly fluent, yet still got the job done.

"We will need to play better this week if we want to beat Stoke-on-Trent."

The Boars built a slender 12-5 lead at the break but then assumed control during a 25 minute period after half time.

Open side flanker Hugh Lockhart helped himself to a couple of tries while No. 8 Drew Harper crossed for two more while wing wing wizard Josh Holt completing the try-spree with scrum half Will Harris kicking the remaining points with three conversions.

Protheroough added: "Old Hales are not a bad side and their defence was very good, especially in the first half.

But I wasn't surprised that our performance was a bit down, in fact it was almost inevitable following the previous week's effort against Newbold."

Bromsgrove's prospects were boosted further by Newbold's surprise home defeat to Droitwich this week which has left the Boars 16 points clear at the top.

But Protherough stressed: "We don't want to be relying on Newbold slipping up all the time - we want to win the title in style.

"I thought we looked sluggish at times against Old Hales and we need to improve against Stoke who are one of the form sides in the league at the moment.

"I thought we were a bit lucky to win at their place earlier in the season, so we need to show them some respect".

Bromsgrove entertain Stoke at Finstall Park with a 3pm kick-off.