Bridgnorth forced to settle for a losing bonus point at Lichfield
Regional One Midlands: Lichfield 21 Bridgnorth 15.
Bridgnorth were left to rue a late penalty try as they suffered a 21-15 defeat at Staffordshire rivals Lichfield in rugby union's Regional One Midlands.
The visitors made a strong start, with Loti Molitika powering over from a dominant scrum for the opening try, although the conversion was missed.
Lichfield hit back after the break with two converted tries to take control, but Bridgnorth responded through Dan Brough before Connor Nicholls crossed following an excellent break by Luke Brough.
With Elliot Murphy unable to convert either try in the difficult conditions, Bridgnorth led 15-14 heading into the final quarter.
However, Lichfield regained the advantage when the referee awarded a penalty try after judging Bridgnorth had deliberately collapsed an attacking maul. Ben Rochelle was also sent to the sin-bin.
Bridgnorth battled until the final whistle, with scrum-half Gareth Bladen making a fine break, but a turnover penalty ended their hopes of a late comeback.
The visitors had to settle for a losing bonus point after a closely-fought encounter.
There is little time to dwell on the disappointment, with Lutterworth due at the Edgar Davies Ground next weekend.
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