Belgrave First XV 18

Bromsgrove First XV 21

Midlands Two West

BROMSGROVE'S first team won their first league game of the season against recently demoted Midlands One outfit Belgrave.

There were starts for prop Chris Evans and scrum half Richard Thomas while second row Tom Churchill and centre Lee Wainwright made welcome returns from long injury lay-offs.

Just after Matt Birch kicked off, an early offside penalty decision gave Belgrave's fly half Craig Broughton an easy three points.

Bromsgrove responded quickly using the slope and wind advantage. They handled well for centre Dave Wilkinson to touch down, converted by Birch.

Another good move allowed full back Neil Brighton to score a converted try.

Prop Steve Phillips's injured back was a problem for the Town pack and flanker Nick Horton - adjudged off side on one of his many solo runs - handed Broughton a simple conversion.

Belgrave then beat the defence as scrum half Rob Kyle scored a try converted by Broughton for a 13-14 interval deficit.

Town stepped up the pressure in the second half when left wing Ian Bailey was held going forward.

Belgrave conceded a scrum in their five-metre area and Kyle completely missed his touch kick.

Number eight David Bridge exploited the error to score a converted try.

Home winger Darren Bee touched down for an unconverted try ten minutes from time but Town held firm.

Other scores were: Bromsgrove Third XV 19 Chaddesley 15; Burton 41 Bromsgrove Colts 5.