BROMSGROVE RFC kicked off in sweltering heat hoping to avenge last week’s result away at Oxford Harlequins.
There was a bright start by Grove with winger Rhys Morris making a break down the left and when Derby went off their feet, a penalty kick by Will Tanner opened the scores.
Picture by Andy Jepson. s
From the restart, captain Ed Spalding was given the ball, found the space and from his own 22 ran it home for a try which was not converted – after 13 mins gone, Grove were 8-0 to the good.
The game settled down as the heat took its toll, but five minutes after the water break Derby scored and converted and both teams then exchanged penalty kicks.
But, just before half-time, Spalding made a break, passed it wide to Jordan Maddocks who in turn passed it back inside to Tom Cubitt to score near the posts and Tanner added the extras.
Picture by Andy Jepson. s
Bromsgrove were leading 18-10 but then a high tackle just on half-time gave the East Midlands visitors a penalty which they converted. Halftime 18-13.
Second half
When Derby dropped the kick-off from the second half, Bromsgrove went into another gear and punished Derby straight away with Spalding adding his second in the corner. Tanner added the extras from way out wide, a penalty soon after and Grove were clear 28-13.
Picture by Andy Jepson. s
Then followed 25 minutes of non-stop Derby pressure with Grove camped in their own 22, resulting in a yellow card for Morris.
But, even with 14 men, Grove did not concede and, from a turnover, Spalding smashed a 50-22 and from the line-out a driving maul formed and James Gunther got the bonus point try. Again the boot of Tanner added the extras.
With five minutes to go, Jordan Maddocks scored after another quick break and he made it two tries in two games – Tanner again added the extras.
Picture by Andy Jepson. s
With the final play of the game Derby grabbed a consolation try but it was too little too late and the ref blew the final whistle.
It finished Grove 42-20 Derby.
Bromsgrove travel to Bridgnorth next week with both teams sat in the middle of the table. Kick-off is at 3pm.
