Bromsgrove 14 Kettering 37

Midlands Division One

A FIRST half scoring blitz on Saturday ensured relegation threatened Bromsgrove are still waiting for their first win in the Midlands Division One, despite a second half fight back.

The Boars produced a solid second half performance against their fellow strugglers.

However, an error strewn first half allowed Bromsgrove's opponents to streak into a healthy lead, which the Boars were unable to pull back.

Bromsgrove went into the game with some of their confidence boosted after a fine performance and narrow defeat to Whitchurch in the North Midlands Cup last weekend.

However, the Boars were blown away as Kettering made a powerful start.

They conceded an early penalty, scored by David Watts, before Tom Bridgeman powered over for a converted try.

Bromsgrove were given no time to let up as Darren Etheridge and Paul Baird scored tries, which Watts converted.

The Boars though did their best to hit back and a rolling maul pushed Kettering back. Kevin Foster fed Tom Churchill, who set up Jo Baker for a touch down.

Kent Summerfield converted the try to make it 24-7.

However the hosts were stunned when Tom Coles completed a flowing move to make it 29-7 at the break.

Bromsgrove came out more determined in the second half resisted early pressure by Kettering.

Tom Churchill's yellow card forced Bromsgrove to reshuffle the pack, with Ben Eason going to inside centre to partner Ali Hall in midfield.

The change seemed to add some extra cutting edge and Richard Stockholm made ground into Kettering's half.

The Boars kept the pressure up and Ben Eason fed Hall, who scored near the posts. Summerfield also converted the try to make it 29-14 and give Bromsgrove hope.

The home side continued to apply the pressure to Kettering.

However, hopes of a comeback were dashed when Coles ran in for his second try of the match.

A late penalty also increased Kettering's advantage and made sure that Bromsgrove's long wait for a league win continues.