The Lions squeeze out a victory against Loughborough 2’s winning 17 – 7.
The weather at Bournbrook was slightly chilly and the wind seemed to ebb and flow onto the pitch. A healthy crowd gathered as Birmingham 1sts Rugby were taking on the 2nd team of Loughborough University. The Lions were coming into this game after losing away to Leeds by 11 points last week. Loughborough 2’s were coming to Bournbrook after a losing to Nottingham Trent by the same points margin.
The first half saw both teams conceding penalties from the referee, the Lions not disciplined in their offside play and in the scrum. Birmingham were able to offer more in attack. One clear break from the Lions winger Galloway was a prime opportunity for a try, unfortunately he didn’t give what would have been a decisive pass.
10 minutes before the half-time whistle and the Lions bagged the first try of the match. After Loughborough conceded a series of penalties, Birmingham through Chaumenton kicking to the 5 meter line, scored off a driving lineout, a real strength they showed in the first half. Chaumenton was also successful with the conversion.
Chaumenton was able to make Loughborough pay again for their ill discipline and converted a penalty 30 meters straight in front of the posts. The score at half time stood at Birmingham 10 – Loughborough 0.
The second half started with a break away try for Loughborough. The Full Back who was their standout player for the game, sent a lovely out of the back door pass to the Right Winger who scored close to the posts. The Flyhalf converted and the gap had now reduced to 3 points.
Birmingham then put forward some very promising attacks. On three occasions the final pass just didn’t stick, two from the Winger Galloway and from the Fullback Craig Bonnar.
With 10 minutes left to go the Lions scored their second try. A strong series of forward phases before Galloway then blistered through the Loughborough defence and delivered a miracle ball to the oncoming Lions Winger Amadi who scored in the corner. Chaumenton converted and the score now stretched to a 10 point lead.
The game finished with no change to the score but Birmingham finished pummelling the Loughborough defence. The Lions will be disappointed they were not able to grab more tries, perhaps a 4 try bonus point with those passes that didn’t come off in the red zone. Loughborough were masters of their own downfall giving away far to many penalties and not using their key players as often they should’ve. A good win for Birmingham for morale before the Christmas break.
