Barton-under-Needwood 33 pts Bromyard 22

SLOW starts in each half contributed to Bromyard's first defeat of the season in Midlands Four West (North).

The Herefordshire side got away to a nightmare start when they conceded three early tries.

But they then hit back bravely with two scores of their own before the break with Tom Morris going over and then flanker Gareth Griffiths crossing from a five-metre scrum.

But hopes of a revival were hit when Barton increased their lead soon after the turnaround.

And although Rivers added a conversion after man-of-the-match Scott Holloway again reduced and then kicked a penalty, a late Barton try settled matters in favour of the home side.

Bromyard second string got off to a winning start when they entertained Worcester Wanderers in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Merit League with tries from centre Liam Webdale and veteran prop Steve Eversham helping th them to a 20-5 victory.