BROMSGROVE head coach Dan Protherough believes a victory is just around the corner after his side narrowly lost out 30-28 to third placed Ivybridge in National League 3 South West.

Protherough was extremely encouraged by the performance and said: "We played very well against the best side we've faced this season. The lead continually changed hands and the game was a real roller-coaster.

"It didn't help when we lost loose head prop Paul Norris early in the game and had to reshuffle the pack with hooker James Gunter coming on.

"Yet we showed great heart and determination throughout. It's just a question of getting a win under our belts and we're not far away now.

"We're making strides every week and playing much better. The display against Ivybridge should give us the trigger to go forward again."

Despite bagging 28 points, Bromsgrove only picked up a single bonus point as they managed just three tries.

As a result, they remain in deficit on minus 2 points after being handed a five point deduction by the RFU at the start of the season.

Protherough revealed: "We did consider appealing, but decided to let it go and get on with playing rugby. We've already been to numerous RFU meetings and they haven't listened to us yet!

Bromsgrove will attempt to get their season off the mark this Saturday when they make the long distance trip to Cornish side Launceston who sit directly above them in the table.

Protherough is likely to be without prop Paul Norris who has suffered a rib injury while Tom Hardwick is nursing a cut to his eye.

But Protherough is hopeful of having everyone else available and said: "It makes a big difference the fact we're getting a more settled side out now."