WHITCHURCH 3 BROMSGROVE 51

Powergen Trophy

NEW look Bromsgrove proved there is life after fly-half Matt Birch as they cruised into the second Midlands round of the Powergen Trophy with a thumping victory over hapless Whitchurch on Saturday.

In their first competitive game since the prolific kicker left Finstall Park for Dudley Kingswinford, Bromsgrove gorged on an eight try feast at Whitchurch.

Matt Hallstead also showed that the gap left by Birch could be filled as he rattled up 15 points.

Director of coaching Dean Ball admitted he was surprised that his side, which itself had several new debutees, had won so convincingly.

He said: "Whitchurch have lost a few players over the summer, but they put their best team out.

"I was surprised by the scoreline myself, but am delighted that we played so well."

Bromsgrove had lost Birch and James Lloyd-Jones to National League sides Dudley and Stourport over the summer.

Debutants Ally Hall, playing at three quarters, and Hallstead, full back, both made promising starts to their Bromsgrove careers.

Ball also drafted in veteran Paul Brighton at prop and handed rookie Steve Blackburn his first start.

Despite the personell changes to Bromsgrove they started powerfully, with the Boar's backs tearing through Whitchurch's defence to score a try.

The attack set the tone for the match as Bromsgrove poured forward in search of tries.

Winger Richard Stockholm proffitted most from the Boars' attacking intent, bagging four tries.

Frankie Hales also scored twice, while Andy Bridge also powered over for a touch down.

Hallstead, who use to play for Dudley, converted four tries and scored a penalty to increase the misery on Whitchurch.

Ball said: "Considering we had a few new faces I thought we looked very good.

"The passing was good and we moved forward like a unit.

"Matt (Hallstead) did a good job and it shows that even though Matt (Birch) has left we still have some excellent options to come into the side.

l The Bromsgrove coach will have to decide who will take over as fly-half for his side's Midland Division One opener against Burton on Saturday, September 10 (3pm start).

Ball can choose from Hallstead, Ben Copson and Ben Eason for the position.

New signing Craig Walker's registration is also set to come through making him available for Saturday's curtain raiser.

Ball said: "For the last few seasons I have only ever had one name down for kicking.

"But all of a sudden I have three or four candidates vying for one position.

"It makes a nice change to have so much competition.

"It also means that if one player does not perform we have someone else who can come in and do a job."