Critchlow holds his nerve to seal win - The Bromsgrove Standard

Critchlow holds his nerve to seal win

Bromsgrove Editorial 13th Nov, 2015 Updated: 17th Oct, 2016   0

COOL-HEADED Jon Critchlow landed a late long-range penalty to secure Bromsgrove the narrowest of victories over Nuneaton on Saturday.

The Nuns looked in control when they led 15-7, but thanks to the boot of Critchlow the Boars clawed their way back.

And with only a few minutes remaining, the full back stroked home the winner as Bromsgrove clinched their sixth win of the season. The comeback demonstrated their fighting spirit and they needed it in the first half as the visitors dominated territory and possession.

But they failed to breakdown Boars’ defence and fly-half Joe Wilson only succeeded with one penalty from three kickable attempts.




The home side then scored the only try of the half on 25 minutes when a superb break by centre Ed Spalding was finished off by prop Paul Norris. Critchlow added the extras to take a 7-3 lead.

Bromsgrove’s rear-guard action continued for the rest of the half with flanker Greg Campion prominent and some excellent clearance kicks from Spalding, Critchlow and James Upton halting the pressure on their line.


But Nuneaton came out firing at the start of the second period and struck twice in the opening 15 minutes.

Matt Gibbs got the first of those when he crashed over, with Wilson converting, before number eight Seb Roche crossed the whitewash.

The two tries stung the home forwards, who upped their game and started getting the better of their opposite numbers.

They were forcing a series of penalties during the last quarter which allowed Critchlow chances at goal. And the marksman made no mistakes as he edged Bromsgrove ahead with three penalties.

Nuns did have the chance to steal the points with a last-minute penalty, but Dan O’Brien’s attempt from distance fell just short, much to the relief of the home support.

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