BROMSGROVE RFC First XVs mini revival came to a halt last Saturday with a narrow 9-8 defeat at Leicester Lions.

The Finstall Park side, who had won two on the bounce before this fixture, were three points down early on from a penalty from fly half Ben Twiss.

The visitors' cause was not helped when Mark Cornelius left the field with a bloody nose and had to be temporarily replaced by skipper Dean Ball.

On 27 minutes, with Cornelius back, and following about three minutes of splendid handling, centre Ben Eason was clear to run in a good try but the conversion was missed by Matt Birch.

Just before the interval, Leicester's Twiss failed with a long penalty attempt to give Bromsgrove a slight interval lead.

Hooker Ball came on as replacement for second row Ian Young in the second half, forcing the pack to be re-organised.

The Lions started to frequent simple short kicks along the ground for all to chase, causing a loss of momentum in the Bromsgrove ranks.

Birch tried a long penalty kick near the end of the third quarter, skilfully allowing for the wind, but this fell right of the posts.

The home backs continued to handle well and, with keen home support, an attack led to a temporary suspension for prop Alex Fellows and a routine penalty goal for Twiss.

Within a few minutes, a great long penalty kick by Birch restored Bromsgrove's lead.

The Lions' forwards were now stronger and frequently drove mauls on. Bromsgrove conceded a penalty and Twiss converted.

Birch had a crucial match winning very difficult long penalty in injury time but a slight slip as he kicked let him down.

Elsewhere, the Seconds drew 5-5 at home with Dudley Kinsgwinford, the Fourths were comfortable 26-6 victors over Kings Norton and the Crusaders won 41-15 at Stourbridge Lions Thirds.