Walsall 26 Bromsgrove 17

Midlands Division One

A LATE try denied Bromsgrove what would have been a deserved victory at Walsall on Saturday.

The Boars had more than matched their Black Country rivals and seemed to be on course to record their first win in the Midlands Division One.

However, a late try by the home side made sure that Bromsgrove remain pointless at the foot of the table.

There were however, promising signs that Bromsgrove can end the season with a flourish.

The Boars matched their closest rivals for relegation all the way and led for much of the game, until a late flurry of tries denied them some well-deserved points.

The Boars went into the game missing Adam Slaughter and Ben Eason through injury. Despite the absences of first team regulars Bromsgrove took charge of the match. New Zealander Kent Summerfield was on hand to complete a flowing move as he slalomed past Walsall's defence to score.

He then converted the try to give Bromsgrove the perfect start to the match.

Despite Walsall piling on the pressure, Bromsgrove grabbed another try when they forced over a rolling maul and allowed James Smith to touch down and make it 12-0.

The home side hit back with gusto and breached Bromsgrove to score a try just before half time.

The Boars were pegged back early in the second half, when Colin Bickerstaff touched down.

Another rolling maul made sure Bromsgrove regained the lead when Alex Fellows scored to edge them 17-12 ahead.

Bromsgrove struggled to increase their advantage, despite strong runs by Alistair Hall. Tom Churchill and Richard Arnold also kept Walsall at bay as the home side searched for a try.

The complexion of the game changed when Bromsgrove conceded a converted penalty try to put Walsall 19-17 ahead.

Bromsgrove went in search of a late winner, but a move from behind their own try-line backfired when it was intercepted and Walsall scored.