Bournville 18
Bromsgrove 25
Bromsgrove 25 – Bournville 18
Having achieved their highest ever League position by Finishing 5th, Bromsgrove added to the seasons achievements by winning the County Cup, defeating the up and coming Bournville in a hard fought encounter at Stourbridge. It was a fine way for captain Richard Arnold to bow down after three excellent years at the helm.Conditions were nearly perfect apart from a stiff breeze blowing down the pitch benefitting Bournville in the first half.
Bromsgrove had most of the territory and possession in the early stages with centres Toby Wilson and James Lloyd Jones prominent and in typical style produced some enterprising rugby which was only thwarted by some excellent Bournville defence and some long, relieving kicks from fly half Alex Warner. It was on 10 minutes when Bromsgrove broke the deadlock and somewhat surprisingly it came through the pack, they gained an attacking lineout which was thrown to Nigel Burrows who was driven emphatically over the line for the first score. Bromsgrove continued to dominate but were making a few errors and conceding turnovers which allowed the opposition to ease their way into the game through their strong forwards. On 29 minutes another Bromsgrove indiscretion gave a penalty chance away which Warner duly kicked. Shortly afterwards they produced thaeir best move of the match, moving the ball left after avery slow ruck for winger Iestynn Pratt to sprint over in the corner to give them the lead. Back came town and on 38 minutes drove a lineout about 20 metres down the right hand touch lin, the ball was then spun left, Ben Copson threw a big pass missing the centres to John Critchlow who picked a great line to score. Copson converted. This gave Bromsgrove a narrow 12-8 lead at half time.
The second half started really badly for Bromsgrove, they made a real hash of the kick off allowowing Bournville to put instant pressure on the line and after a series of rucks John Ward got himself sin binned for illegally using his hands. A couple of minutes later with the Bromsgrove line under siege Bournville won good ball to enable centre Alex Ward to crash over by the posts which Warner converted to regain the lead. This spurred Bromsgrove back into action and they made light of the man short launching a wave of attacks and both wingers Warren Oliver and Richard Stockholm went close. On 53 minutes from one of these Critchlow picked another great line to score his second try which Copson converted. It was pretty much all Bromsgrove now and Bournville were showing signs of tiring. Steve Blackburn replaced Kevin Salisbury and along with Paul Norris and Chris McGregor battered the Bournville defences, chances came but poor last passes meant try scoring opportunities were missed. Copson kicked another penalty on 65 minutes but Warner immediately struck for Bournville. Still it was mainly Bromsgrove with second rowers Jack Brain and Nick Wright putting in some sterling work with Ben Newman snapping at their heels. But still no more tries came. On 75 minutes Copson kicked a good long penalty to re-instate the 7 point lead. The referee was obviously enjoying the match as he managed to find 10 minutes of injury time which caused some concern for Town's travelling supporters but in thruth it was Bromsgrove who looked the most likely to add to their tally late on.
It was an excellent final and a credit to both sides. Here's looking forward to next season.
