MATT Birch kicked four penalties and converted Lee Wainwright's try in a strong wind and driving rain as Bromsgrove RFC First XV's push for promotion rolled on with a 19-10 victory at Newbold-on-Avon.

The wind favoured both sides during the course of the game, but it was Birch who mastered the conditions.

Director of coaching Dean Ball said: "The pitch was quite firm but the rain and wind were all over the place so it was very difficult and his goal kicking was superb."

Bromsgrove had the wind at their backs in the first half and nearly took an early lead following some sustained forward pressure.

Newbold bravely came back at the Finstall Park outfit but their pressure was relieved when a great chase by Richard Stockholm resulted in Lee Wainwright crossing for the first score of the match. Matt Birch converted.

More dominant forward play saw Bromsgrove awarded a penalty, which Birch once again dispatched with ease, giving his side a 10-0 interval lead.

With the full force of the wind in their faces, Bromsgrove were always going to find the second half tough and things looked ominous when Newbold outside half Ben Harrison slotted over a penalty. However, Birch cancelled this out soon after with a great strike into the wind.

At the midway point in the half Newbold put the pressure back on the visitors when Harrison converted his own try after ghosting through to score under the posts.

This seemed to wake Bromsgrove up as they spent the final 20 minutes camped in the Newbold half. This sustained pressure resulted in two penalties, both struck superbly by Birch to ensure victory.

l Ball hopes to have a full strength squad to pick from for this Saturday's North Midlands Cup clash with Shrewsbury at Finstall Park (2pm).