A VITAL 15-3 win at fellow strugglers Bromyard with 14 men gave Cleobury Mortimer renewed hope in North Midlands One.

With more home matches in the near future against their rivals, Cleobury aim to move away from the relegation zone.

Saturday's victory, helped by players returning from injuries and the maturing of the younger squad members, lifted them off the bottom of the table.

The front row had a determined and fierce look which ultimately laid the foundations for a deserved success.

Gary Harding had a rare run-out at prop, Chris Gittins is now starting to feel at home as a potential long-term replacement for Tony Heap and Matthew Barnsley has rediscovered the rugby bug.

Paul Burrows has a growing reputation in the line-out alongside Pete Howman, while Ian King is now back from injury with Paul Hulland and Matthew Dorrell gaining in experience.

Alan Shields is settling well at scrum-half close to the reliable Colin Smith and there was superb tackling from Ben Griffiths alongside captain Paul Harding.

In an even first half, Smith missed one penalty and the Bromyard kicker two as the scores were locked at 0-0.

Barnsley was given a straight red card for alleged over-zealous rucking, forcing Cleobury into a reshuffle.

The sense of injustice fired the 14 players who tore deep into Bromyard territory from the restart.

Smith punished the home side' s indiscretions with four penalties in 10 minutes to give them a 12-0 lead.

Bromyard responded with pressure but could only manage one penalty and their consistent offside tactics resulted in two yellow cards plus a final Smith kick.