The Men’s Rugby Union 1st XV have had a tough start to their campaign in the BUCs Premier North B Division, losing three of their opening four games. And they slumped to another loss at Bournbrook on Wednesday 11th of November, despite leading for large parts of the game, as the visiting Durham side put in a gritty away performance, winning 24-20.
The home side were put under immediate pressure from Durham, who showed why they sat three places above UoB in the league by scoring the first try of the day. But the Lions grew into the game, and did dominate possession and territory for large parts of the first half. Managing to go in at half time 8-7 up, with a try from winger Ali Connor, who finished off a swift passing move and a controversial penalty kick on the verge of half time, which was converted by fly-half James Chaumeton.
And it was Brum who scored first in the second half as well, Rich Galloway going over for the try after some good work from full-back and captain Osian Davies, taking their lead to 13-7. Following this the Durham players went up a gear, and took advantage of a fatiguing Birmingham side, leading to Durham scoring two converted tries and a penalty at around the hour mark, taking the score to 13-24. One of the tries being a superb driving maul, following a line out. The Durham forwards showed their strength in an area of the game in which they controlled all day.
Birmingham did get a late consolation try on the 80 minute mark, securing a crucial bonus point through winger Josh Amadi, which was converted by Chaumeton, following a nice break from Davies- who was one of the better performers for Brum this time out. The final score stood at 20-24 to Durham, a fair reflection of the game- but Birmingham were left to rue their missed chances from their spell of dominance in the first half.
Matt Bullin
1st XV Rugby v University of Durham 2s by Burnfm_Sport on Mixcloud
