WORCESTER were unlucky not to beat title-chasing Newbold-on-Avon on a day dominated by the weather conditions.

The 10th-placed Weston's Fields hosts lost 17-14 in Midlands One West as the sides battled with the wind, rain and cold temperatures.

Playing with a strong wind behind them and up the slope, Newbold were sluggish from the outset and Worcester took full advantage, keeping it simple, fighting for every scrap of possession and scrummaging well.

Dan O’Brien slotted three penalties in the first half to make it 9-0 to Newbold.

The visitors played into the face of the storm in the second period and Worcester dominated territory.

Worcester scored a penalty and then a 20-metre catch-and-drive try early on to move within a point.

Newbold replied with a try from a tap-and-go before an ambulance was required for a Worcester injury as the players took cover in the changing rooms for 40 minutes.

Worcester pulled back to 14-14 with a few penalties and looked to steal the game only for O'Brien to nail a last-gasp effort from 30 metres to win it for second-placed Newbold.

Bromsgrove became the Midlands One West Christmas number one with a hard-fought but convincing 42-3 success over local rivals Droitwich.

The result leaves the hosts one point in front of fellow promotion challengers Newbold with the pair having pulled clear of Whitchurch in third.

Ethan Priest, a penalty try, Josh Holt, Ed Spalding, Drew Harper and James Upton were on the scoresheet for Bromsgrove with Adam Whiteman converting all six.

Fourth-from-bottom Droitwich return to action after the festive break at home to another local rival in Worcester on Saturday, January 5.

Malvern hit the bottom of Midlands One West after their 22-12 defeat at Stoke was cut short on the hour mark due to the weather conditions.

Driving freezing rain and a wind chill taking temperatures down to -8 made the 60 minutes played a tortuous event for players, the referee and spectators alike.

Stoke opened the scoring but Jon Wills broke through the home defence to equalise with the conversion putting the Spring Lane men ahead briefly.

However, Stoke put in well-drilled drives to retake the lead and stretch it to secure the try bonus point.

Wills was carried off with a leg injury and Grant Fraser also picked up a knock.

But Malvern grew in confidence and Joe Pain marked his first-team debut with an interception and 70-metre run to the line for a fine solo try.

As the 60-minute mark approached both sides agreed conditions were threatening player safety and the match was ended with the result standing.

OTHER RESULTS

Midlands One West: Sutton Coldfield 20 Hereford 0.

Division Two West (South): Evesham 20 Old Laurentians 23; Kidderminster Carolians 35 Nuneaton Old Edwardians 7.

Division Three West (South): Stoke Old Boys v Ledbury - away walkover.

Division Four West (South): Bedworth 28 Redditch 0; Bromyard 42 Pershore 17.

Division Five West (North): Chaddesley Corbett 0 Tenbury 8; Church Stretton v Stourport - away walkover.