Cleobury Mortimer 28 pts Bromyard 8-

CLEOBURY kept up their hopes of a top three finish in North Midlands 1 with a comprehensive win over cross-border rivals Bromyard.

With lock Chris Gittins unavailable Jon Banford took over. Cleobury's settled squad were determined to continue the recent good run and tore into Bromyard from the off. After a series of strong forward surges Cleobury moved the ball across the threequarters for Willie Bache to touch down in the corner for an unconverted try.

Mortimer dominated all phases and when Bromyard transgressed fly-half Colin Smith punished them with a penalty.

Bromyard tried to slow the game down, and when they were penalised for killing the ball Cleobury took a quick tap penalty and Hylton Smith crossed in the corner for a second unconverted try.

Cleobury's forwards again made inroads into the heart of the Bromyard defence and Pete Homan was on hand to support the final drive and crash over. Colin Smith, troubled by a hamstring strain, again missed the conversion.

The visitors did not drop their heads and took advantage of an off-side decision to land a penalty on the stroke of half-time.

Bromyard had no answer to the rampaging Cleobury pack and within minutes of the restart another fine series of drives gave Rob Kirton the chance to cross for try number four.

When Bromyard's backs were given some decent ball they looked dangerous and finally their endeavours were rewarded when they moved the ball swiftly to touch down and reduce the arrears.

Fittingly it was the home captain Colin Todd who completed the scoring when he finished off great inter-passing between backs and forwards to run in an easy try.