Bromyard 8 pts Solihull 36

NORTH Midlands 1 runaway leaders Solihull came away from Herefordshire with a convincing victory but knowing they had been involved in a tough battle.

For the opening 20 minutes, it was difficult to tell which side was top of the table as Bromyard pegged Solihull back for long periods.

Bromyard's pressure ruffled the visitors and Solihull's flanker was sent to the sin-bin for punching Gareth Walsh, who was forced to leave the field.

Solihull scored two tries in quick succession midway through the first half and they also kicked a penalty as they established a healthy advantage. But Bromyard fought back well and Piers Gaunt registered the home side's first points with a well-struck penalty.

The title favourites scored again on the stroke of half-time to lead 22-3 and they bagged two converted tries after the interval.

With 12 minutes remaining, Bromyard were rewarded for their hard work when the impressive Scott Holloway crashed over for their only try.