BROMSGROVE 28,

STAFFORD 3

Midlands Two (West)

TOWN retained their position as league leaders with a comfortable victory over a physically strong Stafford opposition.

Stafford competed in most areas of play but lacked the finesse and cutting edge that would have converted the considerable pressure they exerted into points.

Bromsgrove dominated in the tight five and frequently drove Stafford back in the scrummage however the home side struggled in the line out throughout the match against excellent Stafford line out jumpers.

Bromsgrove wasted no time in scoring the first try. After a Steve Philips crash ball was quickly recycled Nick Copson fed Birch who slipped the ball to Dave Wilkinson who, running an excellent line, cut inside his opposition centre to score a converted try.

A Birch penalty increased the half-time advantage to 10-0, and this was followed by a 40 yard penalty conversion by the same player after sustained pressure in Stafford's half.

Stafford pressure resulted in them being awarded a penalty to bring the score back to 13-3, and they did well for a spell to hold the home side.

Coach Dean Ball brought on fresh legs in the form of Jim Brearley and Craig Jesson and Bromsgrove were awarded one more penalty duly converted by Birch but the crowd was desperate for at least one try and they were not disappointed with two in a matter of minutes.

Following a strong break from a set scrum by Jesson quick ruck ball was then passed smartly down the threequarter line to Trigg on the wing. He cut inside, stood up the defence and then went open again to score an excellent winger's try in the corner.

From the kick off Stafford put the ball straight into the hands of Trigg who plucked it from the air one handed, and sprinted from within his own half to score a converted try and finish the game at 28-3.

Bromsgrove travel away to Newbold next Saturday in what promises to be another bruising encounter.