South Bromsgrove 12 pts Hereford Cathedral 27

HEREFORD Cathedral produced a late surge of 15 points to clinch a place in the second round of the North Midlands Schools Under-16 Cup.

Although the scoreline rightfully reflected Cathedral's spirited performance, the South Bromsgrove defence was outstanding.

Cathedral opened the scoring with a well-worked try from wing Chris Kent and soon after fly-half Perry Pudge crossed between the posts and then kicked the conversion.

A ball spilled in the tackle led to Bromsgrove's response of a converted try to reduce the deficit to 12-7 at half-time.

Another charge-down levelled the scores but, with just about 10 minutes left, indiscipline by the home side gave Pudge a penalty kick and then centre Charlie Meredith and King went over for late tries, one of which was converted.

Cathedral play Wrekin College,Telford, in the next round in the new year.