CHADDESLEY CORBETT 14pts, Bromyard 32pts

BROMYARD were relieved to have safely negotiated the first round of the Intermediate Cup.

Without a practice game under their belt it was a first outing for a side which hopes to build on last year's late season promise.

Number eight, Richard Spence, making a welcome return after a season's lay off due to injury, opened the try tally early on to settle the nerves. An exchange of penalties saw the score advance to 8-3.

The Bromyard front five, notably Malcolm Squire and vice-captain Nick Legge, took control in the scrum and it was not long before debutante second row Colin Williams powered over for a try which Mark Panniers converted.

Chaddesley kept in the hunt with another penalty but Panniers increased the led with a try before half time and a 20-6 scoreline.

Flanker Giles Rivers and stand off Andy Yeomans increased the try tally in the second half, Panniers adding a conversion to put the game beyond the reach of the home side although they conceded a late try and penalty to give a 14-32 result. Encouraging performances from hooker Simon Pryar and Richard Harrison on the flank augur well for the season.

One swallow doesn't make a summer but one cup win certainly gives Bromyard a well deserved fillip.

Bromyard travel to Bishops Castle for a tough league opener this week, second round of the Cup on October 7.

Next three League fixtures: Sept 16 Bishops Castle - away, Sept 23 Fiveways - away, Sept 30 Old Griffinians - home.