IN muddy conditions on Sunday Bromsgrove Rugby Club began their defence of the North Midlands Senior Cup with a tough 20-11 win at Bridgnorth.

Town scored four tries and conceded one against the much improved home club who are one league below them.

Within two minutes Bridgnorth's Alex Cooper exposed the defence.

With only prop Steve Phillips and lock Tom Churchill as cover, the speedy right winger scored an unconverted try.

The rumble in the mud continued with almost all forwards soon indistinguishable as they contested for the greasy ball and sought to make a few metres before slithering to a halt.

The visitors' scrum half, Colin Morley, suffered an ankle injury but replacement Rob Marshall proved an able deputy.

Richard Arnold, playing on the flank, frequently got over the gain line and he set up Phillips for Bromsgrove's first try. Two more chances were missed before captain Andy Bridge scored after a long solo run.

Bridgnorth's fly half, Ian Hill, kicked an easy penalty before Bromsgrove centre Dave Wilkinson touched down in the right corner for an unconverted try, giving his side a seven-point interval lead.

Town's pack began to exert more pressure and their good play led to a try for Colt Ben Copson on the right wing.

Copson, in his last game before starting his Army training, chased a speculative kick from his 22-metre area and almost scored again but his opposite number just tapped the ball to touch.

* In Bromsgrove's other games, the Seconds and Fourths lost but the Colts and Crusaders clocked up fine wins.