Derby travelled to Finstall Park, for the first time since 2005, knowing a tough game lay in store. Derby had a new combination at half-back, with Josh Tizard at scrum half and Jack Partinton wearing 10.
Derby kicked off, playing uphill, on a fine, dry day.
10 minutes later, Bromsgrove were 10 points ahead. A penalty was kicked, followed by a converted try.
Derby then had a spell of possession and gained their reward, when Lewis Hancock kicked a penalty, after 16 minutes.
Bromsgrove kicked a penalty of their own, 4 minutes later.
Josh Tizard made a good break, but Derby were unable to capitalise.
After 34 minutes, Bromsgrove extended their lead. Derby were penalised near half way. The Bromsgrove scrum half tapped and went and a quick exchange of passes led to a try. The conversion followed, putting Bromsgrove 17 points clear.
Derby finished the half well. A penalty was kicked to the corner. The lineout was secured and Derby drove towards the Bromsgrove line only to be stopped illegally. Exactly the same thing happened again, before, at the 3rd attempt, Derby drove over the line and Jack Bates scored for the 3rd time this season. Lewis Hancock added the conversion.
This made the half time score 20-10 in Bromsgrove’s favour, with Derby still in the game.
The 2nd half started badly for Derby. On their own put in, near their try line, Derby lost the ball, allowing Bromsgrove to score. The conversion took them 17 points clear.
Derby hit back, after 50 minutes, when the forwards again drove over the Bromsgrove line. This time it was Jake Barker who touched down, for his 1st try of the season.
Derby were pressing at this stage, but were unable to break through strong Bromsgrove defence.
A penalty to Bromsgrove, with 13 minutes left, put them 3 scores ahead, before 2 tries in the final 10 minutes finished the job.
A thoroughly deserved win for Bromsgrove, but it proved to be a difficult day for Derby. Credit to Derby; their heads never dropped against a much bigger side and they kept tackling and competing to the final whistle.
Burton are the visitors to Haslams next week.
Come on Derby!
Report by: R.Bambra