Old Halesonians Firsts 16 Bromsgrove Firsts 32

North Midlands Cup semi-final

BROMSGROVE Rugby Club cruised into the final of the North Midlands Cup with a great victory over Old Halesonians at Wassell Grove on Sunday.

What was perceived to be a tricky semi-final draw away from home, Bromsgrove took at three-quarter pace.

The writing was on the wall for Old Halesonians in the early minutes of the match when sustained forward pressure allowed some slick hands in the back division for Ian Bailey to coast into the right hand corner. This was superbly converted by Matt Birch. The second try came courtesy of a great break by Lee Wainwright.

He chipped over the defensive line to see Dave Wilkinson collect and touch down under the posts. This again was converted by Birch.

Some sloppy work from the Bromsgrove defensive unit saw them concede a penalty which was duly despatched by the home side's full back. This penalty was cancelled out minutes later by a Birch attempt.

Two more kicks from the Old Halesonians full back and one more reply from Birch saw the half-time scoreline read 9-20. Bromsgrove re-emerged after the interval with ferocity and passion evident.

A great break by James Udy saw him touch down early on in the second half, which was once again converted by the seemingly unflappable Birch. Wainwright then grabbed his try with a well timed interception and then outsprinted the cover from 70 yards.

Old Halesonians grabbed seven consolation points in the final stages of the match when their second row crashed over from short range, and this was converted by the full back.

Bromsgrove now await the outcome of the other semi-final between Newport and Hereford to see who they will face in next month's final.

The Finstall Park outfit last won the cup in 1982. Victory in the final will make up for missing out on a play-off in Midlands West Two, after Luctonians sealed second spot in the division on Saturday.