Fly half scores 24 points after scare

MATT Birch returned to what he does best last Saturday, kicking 19 points and scoring a try as Bromsgrove hammered Kenilworth 49-17.

Birch, who has been suffering from asthma-related breathing difficulties of late, found his form to send his side to their third Powergen Midlands One win in five games.

Coach David Stout was both delighted and relieved that the fly half appears to be on the mend after a worrying few weeks.

Stout said: "It's great to see him back. He's had his fair share of problems in the last few weeks."

Birch, a major factor in Bromsgrove's promotion last season, had been suffering from breathing problems, which caused him to collapse.

Stout added: "He kicks excellently well. To win by 32 points is a convincing win.

"It's always important to win in the league but the team hasn't really gelled.

"We have still got a lot of work to do on our overall performance and there are areas we can be better in."

With Birch at his impish best, confidence flowed from those around him and Bromsgrove played thrilling counter attacking rugby of the highest quality involving both backs and forwards alike.

After a nervous start, Bromsgrove soon found their feet against a determined Kenilworth side. Two early Birch penalties provided a comfort zone for a feast of attacking rugby, producing quality tries for Andy Bridge, Richard Trigg and Lee Wainwright, all from breaks initiated from deep within the Bromsgrove half.

The conversions from Birch gave Bromsgrove a healthy 25-0 interval lead.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Bromsgrove absorbing early Kenilworth pressure before counterattacking from deep at great pace, to craft further tries for Dave Bridge, centre Dave Wilkinson and Birch himself. A penalty and three more conversions from Birch brought his personal contribution to 24 points.

Kenilworth were allowed in for three late tries but by then the damage had been done and a comfortable and stylish victory achieved.