BATTLING Bewdley suffered their fourth loss of the season when they went down 26-5 to Erdington in North Midlands Division Three.

They started off showing determination to try and turn the tide of defeat into a win.

After a strong first 20 minutes that saw Erdington with little possession, Bewdley gave away vital penalties within kicking range.

The Erdington full-back showed his skill with the boot to slot two penalties in the first half without a Bewdley reply.

Centres Steve and Andy Freeman ran the Erdington backs ragged with opportunities failing to be converted in the first half.

Debutant Pete Ellis showed confidence in the backs with some vital clearance kicking which gave him the man-of-the-match award.

Bewdley once again came out fighting in the second half and S Freeman showed his skills with an early try for Bewdley.

Further breakaway opportunities for the Freemen brothers and Martin Saunders fell amazingly short of the try-line.

The Erdington pack took control later in the second half to score another three tries. Bewdley showed determination and fight but could not find a reply.

Fixture, Saturday: Essington v Bewdley (League, 3pm).

l Stourport Rugby Club are still finding life tough in Midlands Four West (South) but they fought hard in a 10-8 defeat at high-flying Du nlop.