BROMSGROVE Rugby Club kicked off the new year with an emphatic 27-0 Midlands Two West victory over Cheltenham North at Finstall Park.

In front of a large home crowd Bromsgrove flanker Nigel Burrows was first to score when he exploited weaknesses on the blind side to run in a try and touchdown near the post. Ben Copson made no mistake with the conversion.

Cheltenham fought back and were stopped short of the Bromsgrove line. From the ensuing ruck scrum-half Nick Copson sold the dummy and went clean through to score a try converted by brother Ben.

Despite some curious refereeing decisions affecting both sides performance, Broms-grove maintained their discipline and concentrated on playing a simple strategy of dominating the forward ex-changes.

A classic example of this was, when under pressure deep within their own half, Bromsgrove's pack drove a maul some 40 metres up the middle of the park.

Not only did this relieve pressure but it sapped the resolve of the visiting team.

Cheltenham started to lose their composure and gave away penalties and one of these was kicked by Ben Copson to make the score 17-0.

Cheltenham continued to dominate after the interval and Duncan Roke went over to score his debut try for Bromsgrove. The conversion attempt hit the upright and Bromsgrove led 22-0.

Skipper Richard Arnold completed the home side's scoring with a deserved try.