Bromsgropve 25 Walsall 38

Midlands Division One

BROMSGROVE produced their most effective performance of the season on Saturday, but were stunned by two late Walsall tries as their nightmare start in the Midlands Division One continued.

The Boars remain in the relegation zone after losing this vital bottom-of the-table clash to Walsall.

Bromsgrove had matched their Black Country rivals for much of the game and were only a point behind in the match's dying minutes. However, two late touchdowns ensured the Boars suffered their fifth defeat in a row in the division.

The hosts went into the game bottom of the table, but in confident mood of matching their rivals who before Saturday had won only one game.

Bromsgrove came out all guns blazing and Lee Wainright's run breached Walsall's defence and set up Franky Hales for a try.

Buoyed by early success the Boars poured forward and Ian Bailey kicked over a penalty to extend their advantage.

However, Walsall struck back with gusto and two tries left Bromsgrove trailing 14-8. The home side were struggling to get out of their half and a third Walsall try left them reeling.

John Chance though led the host's fight back when he started a move involving Andy Bridge and Carl Bradley resulting in Bailey touching down and converting.

A Bailey penalty just before half time then put Bromsgrove right back in the game.

But the Boars' failed to cope with the visitors' power in the second half as they controlled the match.

Walsall grabbed an unconverted try minutes into the second half, but Bromsgrove pulled within a point when Richard Stockholm crashed over for a try. Bailey's attempted conversion kick though flew narrowly wide.

With five minutes to go the game hung in the balance, but two moments of sloppy defending cost Bromsgrove.

Bromsgrove missed a touch kick and Walsall picked up the ball and touched down. In the final minute poor tackling allowed Walsall to grab a second and seal Bromsgrove's defeat.