Caldy 21, Bromsgrove 10

BROMSGROVE could not turn dominance into points as they suffered their first National North Two defeat in six games at Caldy.

Town started the year with another disappointing outcome from a match they controlled for large sections.

The visitors’ forwards were top in the first-half yet the Boars trailled by a point at the break.

The front row were dominant in all phases with George Glenn being prominent well supported by Kev Salisbury and Paul Norris, behind them Steve Smith and Wayne Cooper also performed well and it was only when the latter went off concussed early in the second-half that Bromsgrove’s dominance declined.

The back row were their usual abrasive selves and this gave scrum-half Dave Brazier a good platform to work from which he used well.

But despite their territorial superiority Town failed to turn it into points missing kickable penalties, spurning other opportunities, failing to deal with Caldy’s strong counter attacks with young half-backs Brazier and Bar Bartlett pulling off try saving tackles.

Caldy went ahead when desperate defence following one of these counters forced the visitors to concede a penalty which Richard Vasey converted.

It wasn’t until the 38th minute that Bromsgrove got on the scoreboard when Glenn went over in the corner following good work from Warren Oliver supported by Brazier and Bartlett.

But the lead was shortlived when Vasey popped over a drop-goal on the stroke of half-time.

The next quarter belonged to Caldy as they achieved parity up front allowing their lively backs to attack.

After 45 minutes Vasey added another penalty and five minutes after that centre Gavin Roberts went over for a converted try.

The Boars were still in the game but poor decision making and errors allowing the hosts to extend their lead on 65 minutes when winger John Parker raced home.