THERE was another hugely entertaining National Three Midlands encounter at Finstall Park when Bromsgrove entertained old rivals Hereford and ran out 28-20 victors.

The visitors dominated the first-half, but Bromsgrove battled back to claim victory in the second period.

Good work by John Critchlow forced a penalty for the hosts, which Ben Copson converted.

An error by Bromsgrove at the base of a scrum led to a Hereford score as flanker Richard Preece snaffled the loose ball to cross. Dean Powell converted.

The Boars replied through another Copson penalty, but the rest of the half belonged to the visitors with Grisman adding two penalties.

Things looked tough for the hosts when they lost Luke Davies having already had to substitute Chris Morgan.

Bromsgrove began the second-half at full speed and great work by Toby Wilson and Warren Oliver led to a score for the irrepressible Drew Harper. Copson converted to level the score.

Bromsgrove were then awarded a penalty under the posts and, instead of going for the easy three points, Wilson took a quick tap and dived over for the try. Again, Copson added the extras.

The home side’s third try came when number eight Harper picked up and surged over for his second score.

As the game became scrappy, the referee issued several yellow cards.

As a result of one of them, Copson kicked another penalty to put the game beyond Hereford’s reach.

The visitors did, however, grab the last score against the run of play when Matt Pritchard went over and Grisman converted.

After the final whistle, Bromsgrove coach Ross Baxter said he thought the second-half performance was his side’s best of the season. On Saturday, the Boar travel to second-placed Hinckley.

Meanwhile, Bromsgrove’s development XV recorded an 18-8 victory over Nuneaton Seconds in North Midlands Reserve League Two. Sam Davenport scored a try and a penalty, while Nick Copson and John Ward also touched down.