Bromsgrove 27 Walsall 24

Midlands Division One

DIRECTOR of coaching Dean Ball has issued a warning to his players that he expects even more commitment from them next season.

The Boars completed their season, where they obtained their number priority of staying up in the Midlands Division One, with a last gasp victory of Walsall.

While Ball was pleased his side had retained their status he called for more professionalism from the players next season.

He said: "Ninety per-cent of the players' attitude was correct at the weekends but it could have been better during training.

"We had a few bad habits at training and that poor attitude was also slipping into game days.

"That's not good enough- the players have got to be totally committed to play at this level.

"We're a division below the national leagues and that's a pretty good standard of rugby."

Ball told the Advertiser/Messenger that he wants to increase the professionalism at the club.

He said: "I wish I had another 15 players who were capable of coming into the first team.

"Competition for places would definitely force the players who think their positions aren't under threat to produce more of what they are capable of.

"At the moment not all of the players in the second team want to graduate to the first team and that's not good enough."

A double substitution at half time made sure that Bromsgrove came from 24-10 down to beat Walsall.

Nick Copson and Richard Stockholm touched down in the first half but Bromsgrove allowed Walsall to streak ahead.

Ball took off the struggling Matt Birch for Danny Malin and Mark Cornelius for reliable veteran Jim Brearly.

The change made the difference as Malin and Richard Arnold scored tries, which were converted by Ian Bailey.

Bailey then sealed victory with a late penalty kick.

Ball said: "We did our best to lose the game but the changes made the difference."

Bromsgrove enjoy a 12-week break before training begins again in July.