MR RELIABLE Matt Birch kicked a last gasp conversion to hand Bromsgrove RFC First XV the Midlands Two (West) championship.

Birch slotted over from in front of the posts for an amazing 10-9 victory at Derby after Danny Malin's try three minutes into added time turned last Saturday's title decider on its head.

With the game seemingly lost at 9-3, Birch launched a huge pitch-length kick into touch, which landed just short of the try line. From the lineout Bromsgrove, down to 13 men at one stage, drove forward and Malin eventually bundled the ball over to send the travelling support into delirium.

That made it 9-8, and Birch's conversion wrapped things up and sent Derby to a play-off next week.

It is not the first time Birch has come up with the goods when it matters most. His trusty boot gave Bromsgrove a 25-24 final day victory against Malvern last season with the last kick of the match.

Coach Dean Ball said: "I had resigned myself to playing next week with ten minutes to go. I didn't realise we had scored three points and that there was only a try in it.

"I was euphoric about the try. I didn't look at the conversion because I know Matt Birch well enough that even on a day like today he wouldn't miss."

President Tony Finn, stepping down after 12 years in June, added: "It's an amazing achievement. I am so pleased for the lads."

And captain Dave Clark said: "It was a fantastic day, what a way to win a match."