1XV well beaten at Bromsgrove

After five weeks without a game it was always going to be a difficult task to shake off the rust and deal with a strong Bromsgrove team in front of a large crowd at Finstall Park.

Camps started brightly and after Ian Briggs fell short with an ambitious penalty attempt from the half way line, the centre made a superb break and using the supporting 'Nobby' Freeman as a foil dummied the last man to go over for an excellent try. The conversion of his own try gave the visitors an early 7-point lead.

Bromsgrove came back strongly and after a successful penalty reduced the deficit they took the lead when the Camp Hill scrum was driven backwards and the home number 8 was able to touch down. The conversion gave them a three-point lead. Camps soon levelled things up, however, after good work by fly half Brandon Lea and a strong carry from player-coach 'Halby' resulted in another penalty opportunity for Briggsy who took full advantage.

Bromsgrove were soon back in front with another well struck penalty before a neat passing movement gave the winger the chance to kick ahead and the home fly half was just able to touch the ball down before it hit the dead ball line. The conversion was again successful. Unfortunately the resulting kick off went straight into touch and pressure from the home side forced Camps to concede another penalty in front of the posts, and another three points, stretching the lead to 13.

Camps had a good spell of possession up to half time with Bromsgrove being forced to concede penalties in their own 22 which ultimately resulted in a yellow card for one of their flankers. Ultimately, however the visitors had to settle for a penalty attempt as time expired which sailed wide.

The second half was barely underway before a melee in midfield resulted in Mitch Lee and his opposite number from Bromsgrove being sin binned whilst the referee showed a red card to Bromsgrove number 17 for illegal use of the boot.

Despite being a man down, Bromsgrove were still on the front foot and from an attacking lineout in the Camps 22,the ball was quickly transferred out to the centre who strolled through untouched for another 7 point score.

Camps were seeing plenty of the ball but the lack of playing time was evident and another turn over gave the Bromsgrove winger the chance to break away, a simple pass inside and another 7 points to make the score 37-10.

Camps were finally able to take advantage of their numerical superiority when a good move through the backs took them close to the line and when the ball was recycled, number 8 Rob Hunt was able to force his way over for the try which Briggs converted.

There was still time, however, for the Bromsgrove scrum half, who kicked superbly throughout, to kick another penalty and add a conversion to a breakaway interception try in the last minute.

Next week Camps welcome league leaders Burton to Haslucks Green Road for a 2.15 kick off.

All support will be very welcome.