Saturday, September 11, 2004

BROMSGROVE RFC First XV were given an indication of how tough the season ahead will be after defeat at Dunstablians.

Dean Ball's side, who had lost their previous encounters at Dunstablians, were without captain Dave Clark, Jon Taylor (broken hand) or Steve Phillips for last Saturday's trip south and could not follow up their opening day victory.

Captain Clark, out injured, said: "It was a winnable game and a little bit disappointing. They were the better team on the day and they were a well drilled outfit.

"There was a strong wind in the first half that they had in their favour and used to their advantage. When we had it I don't think we took advantage of it."

Playing with an extremely strong tailwind the hosts did not take long to open the scoring with a penalty kick and two quick tries, one of which was converted. Bromsgrove, with Dan Chesham making his front row debut, were fifteen points behind after 15 minutes and seemingly outclassed. Sustained pressure led to another home penalty and the lead was stretched to 18-0.

Dunstablians extended their lead again with a try before Matt Birch kicked the visitors' only points of the half.

Bromgrove could ill afford to give any more points away but conceded another try early in the second half.

Following Nick Copson's injury, Richard Stockholm moved to scrum half and Dave Wilkinson made a welcome return on the wing. The two were involved in the first try, scored by Wilkinson in the corner and converted by Birch to trail 28-10.

Dunstablians immediately earned a penalty that was kicked but Bromsgrove responded well with Andy Bridge breaking after a period of pressure to touch down on the line. Birch again converted for 31-17.

The hosts then put the game out of reach by scoring two more tries, the second resulting from a mistake by Bromsgrove's threequarters.

To Bromsgrove's credit they rallied again and scored two excellent tries. The first was a stunning solo effort by Wilkinson, the second a typically powerful run from Ben Eason, who powered through to score.