BROMSGROVE enjoyed a successful afternoon with deserved wins by their first, second and third XVs over old rivals Wolverhampton.

At Castlecroft, the firsts overcame a much improved Wolverhampton team despite having their pre-match plans upset by some late cry-offs.

With a committed team display characterised by outstanding defensive tackling, Bromsgrove gradually gained the ascendancy over a young Wolverhampton side who opened at pace and were prepared to release their speedy back line at every opportunity.

Both sides tried to play the 15-man game with several handling errors, turn overs and a few periods of scrappy play before things settled down.

Stout midfield defence held up early pressure by Wolverhampton before Matt Birch opened the scoring with a long-range penalty. This raised Bromsgrove's tempo and a fine attacking move involving Derek Livermore and captain Andy Bridge was only resisted by Wolverhampton conceding a further penalty which Birch slotted over from the half way line.

Wolverhampton retaliated strongly but were foiled by Wainwright's physical presence on the wing. Bromsgrove were then penalised for handling at a ruck nd Wolverhampton's Kemp slotted over his kick to bring the score to 3-6 at half time.

Wolverhampton raised their game at the restart and the quality of the visitor's midfield defence saved them from going behind. Another long range penalty attempt by Birch just missed and Bromsgrove kept up the pressure with some sniping runs from scrum half Robbie Marshall before the best move of the game resulted in the first try. Full back Brighton caught the opposition out with a quick throw to James Robson who broke from deep. When tackled Livermore was on hand to pick up, hand off a tackler and make 30 yards brushing off tacklers before handing inside to fellow lock Alan Haley to score. Birch kicked the conversion for a 13-3 lead.

Livermore showed his all round skills at the restart with a try saving cover tackle to prevent a score. Both sides continued to throw everything into defence and counter attack and despite some frantic exchanges and some brilliant individual skills, Bromsgrove couldn't increase their winning margin. Whitely and Thomas came on to replace Williams and Marshall but the home side then gained good position and attacked close to the Bromsgrove posts with determined forward pressure before spinning the ball wide to allow Guest to cross in the far corner. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful but with a score of 13-8 the game was in the balance.

Bromsgrove's superior organisation paid off when they pinned Wolverhampton back, attacked through the middle and only a foul tackle on Thomas saved a certain try under the posts. Birch duly kicked the resultant penalty and Bromsgrove returned home worthy winners.

Results: Thirds: Bromsgrove 24 Wolverhampton 7; Bromsgrove Fourths 14 Chaddesley Corbett Seconds 10; Bromsgrove Crusaders 52 Old Halesonians Vets 10; Colts 32 B'ham/Solihull 17.