BROMSGROVE RFC First XV completed the most remarkable Houdini-like escape act in their history to beat relegation on the final day of the season.

Ice cool fly half Matt Birch slotted over a penalty, the last kick of the match, to hand David Stout's side a sensational 25-24 victory over Malvern at Finstall Park last Saturday.

The result was Bromgrove's sixth Midlands One win in seven and, coupled with Hinckley's narrow 11-10 defeat at Leicester Lions, propelled them to fifth bottom and seemingly clear of the drop.

The only thing that can ruin the party now would be demotion based on the geographical locations of teams coming down from higher divisions - an unlikely scenario not decided for another few weeks.

Saturday's match was also coach Stout's final game in charge after four years at the helm and not even he could believe what happened.

He said: "It was a pretty thrilling way to finish. I was shocked because I could not quite believe what had happened. There were a lot of emotions.

"I thought the game had gone away from us in the 20 minutes before the last ten but Jon's try seem to give us that extra impetus."

Stout has also believed in his side's ability to come through and the result bore that out.

"What we set out to achieve in the kast two months looks to have been achieved," he added.

"I am thrilled for the lads because they have proved what they are are capable of. It's nice to finish on a high note and that can never be taken away and for that I am very grateful."