Walton stars again as Grove see off Longton - The Droitwich Standard
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Walton stars again as Grove see off Longton

Droitwich Editorial 29th Oct, 2014 Updated: 17th Oct, 2016   0

PROMISING wing Keiran Walton continues to showcase his try-scoring prowess in National Three Midlands as his brace helped his side beat Longton 39-15 on Saturday.

The former Colts ace, who bagged a hat-trick in Bromsgrove’s thrashing of Dudley Kingswinford earlier this month, scored the visitors’ first as they held a 11-10 advantage at half time.

Longton managed to edge themselves ahead at the start of the second period, but their lead was only brief as Bromsgrove ran out comfortable winners, with Walton notching up his second.

Dan Protherough’s men were strong favourites to turn over the Stoke on Trent side who were sitting third from bottom. But after losing to Lichfield in a thrilling encounter last week, Bromsgrove started nervously. while the wet conditions made handling difficult for both sides.




And it was Longton who opened the scoring as Ethan Clowes fired home a penalty. Jon Critchlow levelled the scores moments later from the tee and there was nothing between the two sides throughout the opening period.

They also failed to carve out any chances before a frenetic final five minutes of the half. A superb move involving Critchlow, Hunt and Walton saw the latter touch down following a 80 metre breakaway.


Longton hit back when powerful work from their forwards led to a penalty try, which Clowes duly dispatched, but Critchlow ensured his side held the upper hand at the interval with a penalty.

The lead changed hands once again when Clowes went over to move Longton 15-11 in front. But Bromsgrove were in determined mood and – as their forwards began to dominate – Longton conceded a penalty try.

Critchlow’s conversion gave his side a 18-15 lead and they did not look back as Will Harris sidestepped his way to the line for an excellent try, with Critchlow adding the extras.

Longton’s cause was not helped when they lost two players to the sin-bin and Bromsgrove took full advantage as Walton cut inside his man to touch down for his second try of the afternoon.

The hosts also went a man down when replacement Alex Woodward saw yellow, but Bromsgrove remained on the front foot and rounded off the win with a try at the death.

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