With several players missing and more injuries during the game, including a serious one for Will Fallows the only saving grace was that the players never stopped trying.

The Lions were outgunned up front and conceded a try within 3 minutes. Although they held out for another 20 minutes they then conceded a penalty try. The home side then scored 3 more tries, including another penalty try, to lead 33-0 at half-time.

The second-half opened with another try for Bromsgrove for a 38-0 lead, but to their credit the Lions rallied and surprised the home team with a fine try by Rhys Williams. The conversion left them with little but the consolation of at least a score, but it also showed their fighting spirit after withstanding huge amounts of pressure.

Sadly, the pressure mounted again and the Lions’ resistance crumbled as they tired. 5 more tries, 4 of them converted, saw the Lions fall to their worst defeat of the season against a powerful and well-drilled Bromsgrove side.

There is a need now to realise how far the Lions have come in a very short time. Nine wins, eighth place and 50 points may well have exceeded expectations but there have been some great performances and results along the way. There is, however, the knowledge that the squad, overall, needs to be stronger, even when the injured players are fit; there is still much to do to end the season well. Although we look safe in mid-table, we should not let complacency set in, but renew efforts to finish well. Two more wins should set the seal on the highest position this club has ever achieved; a reason for pride all round.

Match Report by JON DEWS, pics by SIAN DAVIES