BROMSGROVE RFC started their 150th anniversary year with a narrow 24-22 defeat away at Oundle in their season opener.
The Boars were made to rue missed opportunities in the first half as Will Trumper and Tom Hardwick crossed for unconverted tries and Will Tanner kicked four second-half penalties only for Oundle to snatch the points with a late try.
Bromsgrove sit eighth in the Regional 1 Midlands table after one fixture and picked up a losing bonus point for their efforts.
The visitors started well and were camped on the Oundle line before the ball was eventually worked out wide for Trumper to score in the corner.
And the Boars made the most of an Oundle yellow card to score their second try after pushing the home side backwards at the scrum as Hardwick picked up the ball and dived over to score.
However, Oundle grabbed two tries before the break to take a 12-10 lead at half time.
Bromsgrove responded with four second-half penalties, all kicked by Tanner, to give the Boars a healthy 10-point advantage.
The home side showed great spirit to come from behind for a second time as a late try sealed a bonus point win for Oundle.
Bromsgrove are next in action at home to newly-promoted Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday, September 10 with kick-off at 3pm at Finstall Park.
