Pre-Season Friendly, Tuesday 9th July 2024, 7:45 p.m. kick-off

Worcester Raiders 0 (0) Bromsgrove Sporting 3 (3) Barwell 1 (0) at The Sixways Stadium

Bromsgrove Sporting played their first pre-season friendly match last Tuesday evening in a quiet and virtually empty Sixways Stadium where really there should have been thousands watching a rugby match; but that's another story.

The game went well for The Rouslers who dominated the first half and went in at half time three-nil up then apart from 'keeper Charlie Price, there was a complete change to the line-up for the second half when Raiders got more into the match but there was no change to the scoreline.

From the kick-off Sporting pushed forward and in the first minute gained a penalty for a push in the box. Up stepped Shaq Leachman-Whittingham who hit the spot-kick straight down the middle giving his team a quick and early lead.

From then on the home team were pretty much pinned back in their own half as Sporting attempted to extend their lead and it duly came with 33 minutes on the clock and another penalty after Aaron Bishop was clattered as he moved into the penalty area after a good run down the right. This time Kieran Cook did the honours with a low, hard drive into the bottom left-hand corner of Charlie Emery's net.

Although Raiders were struggling to get forward, they were well-organised and skilful in defence with a mention for Jordan Kondo whose well-timed tackle prevented a significant Sporting threat.

However with the half-time break looming, the impressive Callum King-Harmes sent an inch-perfect cross into the box from the right that was coolly slid in by Trialist #1 giving Sporting their third goal of the game.

Raiders had their best spell of the match shortly after the interval and could have got one back but Kurtis Wood's excellent header went just over the bar.

Sporting though overcame any danger and took charge again creating several chances but finishing probably could have been better; Harry Crook had the best attempt of the half when his curling shot went just over the bar after a fine run down the left.

So a decent win and performance by the Bromsgrove outfit; Raiders had their moments, looked to have some decent players and will no doubt be ready when the season starts for real.

Sporting first half: Charlie Price, Callum King-Harmes, Trialist 1, Luke Rowe (Capt), Shay Palmer, George Forsyth, Isaac Adegoke, Zac Powell, Kieran Cook, Aaron Bishop, Shaq Leachman-Whittingham

Sporting second half: Charlie Price, Aksum White, Billy Shaw, Jack Newell, Reece King (Capt), Trialist 2, Trialist 3, Keanu Cooper, Harry Crook, Trialist 4, Trialist 5.

Referee: Mr M Wright

Attendance: ~ 125

Report: Phil Baker