BOTTOM side Bromsgrove pushed top of the table Camborne all the way before narrowly losing out 23-19 at Finstall Park in National League 3 South West Division.

It's the fourth time this season Bromsgrove have been within less than a score of their rivals and head coach Dan Protherough believes it's just a matter of time before his side starts winning games.

Protherough insisted: "It was a really good, competitive and physical game. We matched Camborne punch-for-punch. There was no difference between the sides. You couldn't tell which team had won all seven games this season and the one which has lost all seven.

"We stood up to them and I was desperately disappointed we didn't get the win. They got us pinned down in the corner during the closing stages to make sure we didn't get a shot at them.

"It's just a question of confidence now and having the belief we can win, because we've shown by now we're good enough."

Bromsgrove remained in contention throughout. They trailed 10-9 at the break with fly half James Upton kicking a trio of penalties in response to Camborne's converted try and penalty.

After the interval Bromsgrove twice breached Camborne's defence with unconverted tries from No.8 Tom Hardwick and winger Ollie Bache.

Protherough added: "We're that close to getting our first win and I think this Saturday's home game against Salisbury will present us with a real opportunity."

Four successive bonus points means Bromsgrove have now erased their points deficit inflicted upon them by the RFU and provides them with the platform to move forward.

Bromsgrove should be boosted by the return of full back and fly half Jon Critchlow and scrum half Will Harris.

Critchlow came through a Second XV game unscathed and Protherough is confident he will be able to face Salisbury.