Redditch men's 1st XI 2 Bromsgrove men's 1st XI 4

BROMSGROVE experienced a bittersweet weekend as they defeated derby rivals Redditch but missed out on promotion in the Coaching Solutions West Midlands Division One.

While the Boars maintained their excellent winning run by getting the better of Redditch, their hopes of promotion were all but ended.

Even though Bromsgrove could finish on the same points as second and third placed Old Wulfrunians and West Bromwich their inferior goal difference makes it difficult for them to end the campaign in the second promotion spot.

Captain Julian Court said: "We gave it a good run and pushed the teams above us all the way.

"We were always going to need the teams below to slip up and things haven't gone our way."

Going into the Redditch match Bromsgrove needed Old Wulfs to slip up to West Brom and the Black Country side to lose to Market Drayton in a re-arranged fixture the following day.

However, while Bromsgrove comfortably overcame Redditch, Old Wulfs drew with West Brom 4-4.

The Black Country side then defeated Drayton 4-2.

The Boars still have a slim chance of finishing second in the table, if West Brom lose and Old Wulfs lose and they defeat Bloxwich by 13 goals on Saturday, March 25.

Court said: "It's been a good run but promotion is probably over for another season.

"But we can end the season by beating Bloxwich."

On Saturday Mark Robinson bagged a hat trick as under strength Bromsgrove overcame Redditch.

Bromsgrove were missing top scorer Pete Hall and Matthew Russell, which saw Robinson promoted to the forwards position.

He didn't disappoint, as he scored twice to give Bromsgrove a 2-0 lead by half time.

He bagged a third before Paul Yates added a fourth goal.

Redditch hit back with some gusto and Anthony Brookes pulled two goals back to make the scoreline look more respectable.