BROMSGROVE bagged their first away win of the season, winning 17-12 at Whitchurch in Midlands Two West.

Whitchurch are one position higher in the league so the Worcestershire side badly needed a victory in their efforts to avoid the drop-zone.

Without seasoned veteran Bob Merritt, skipper Richard Arnold stepped back to the hooker position.

Against a home side that base their game on a strong scrum, the Bromsgrove pack produced a powerful first-half performance.

Town dominated territory and possession and the back-row were in fine form, while Duncan Roke controlled play at fly-half.

Bromsgrove were first to score when winger Lee Wainwright cleverly chipped over his opposite number and put Drew Harper away for a try which Ben Copson converted.

The visitors continued to mount pressure but squandered opportunities until Wainwright intercepted an attacking move and ran in a try which Copson converted.

But Whitchurch pulled a converted try back before half-time and Bromsgrove struggled in the second period.

They did, however, defend well with Nigel Burrows impressive and Copson added a vital penalty.

With Steve Blackburn and Richard Stockholm yellow-carded, Whitchurch added another converted try but it was not enough.