HEAD coach Dan Protherough believes his players will need no extra motivation for Bromsgrove's top-four clash at local rivals Old Halesonians on Saturday (2.15pm ko).

The Boars face one of their toughest tests of the season at Wassell Grove against a side who have lost just once all season and are third in National Midlands Three.

Bromsgrove go into the game on the back of a narrow but hard fought 16-15 win over Nuneaton, as they notched up a sixth win of the season in eight matches.

Protherough said: “This is a game against one of closest rivals with both teams going well, so the players are not going to need much extra motivation because this is a game with a lot going for it.

“It’s not going to be easy, we had two very close league games against Old Hales but there was not a lot in them to be honest.

“They appear to have improved so we’re going to have to be at our best.

“But we’re always striving to improve It’s the sort of game everyone relishes.”

Bromsgrove are in good shape after their narrow win over Nuneaton.

A Jon Critchlow penalty sealed a thrilling comeback.

Protherough added: “We’ve been involved in two games where we’ve edged ahead at the end and weathered the final few minutes.

“I think the loss to Newport a few weeks ago was the kick up the bum we needed, we learned we can’t just turn up.”