The Men’s 1st Rugby arise from the ashes with their first win of the season after 5 five consecutive defeats. The game finished 26-17 on Bournbrook.
It was a 5pm kick off at the Bournbrook pitches. The floodlights were on and the air was crisp. A few minutes prior to the game saw a light drizzle fall onto the pitch. These slippery conditions certainly looked like they would affect the game. Birmingham were looking to get back to winning ways after only achieving 2 bonus points so far this season, whilst Bishop Burton were looking to get their third consecutive win.
Bishop Burton were first to get the points score rolling. It was always going to be a test for the Birmingham forwards in the scrum due to the colossal size of their opposition forward pack. This was the case as Birmingham collapsed the scrum twice in a row leading to a penalty to Bishop Burton. They successfully kicked for 3 points. 0-3 to Bishop Burton. However, soon after this, Birmingham were awarded a penalty, and successfully kicked for 3 points. 3-3.
In the 34th minute, Birmingham were out powered in the scrum once again, it was collapsed and a penalty was awarded to Bishop Burton. The opposition number 10 kicked for touch, right into Birmingham’s twenty-two. After a well-worked line out and a number of phases, the Bishop Burton number 8 found a gap after a pick and go and crashed over the line. The try was converted leaving the score at 3-10 to Bishop Burton.
In the 40th minute, two fatal errors for the home team meant Bishop Burton scored another try. Birmingham’s number 12 dived onto a loose ball, however, it slipped from underneath him, sending it into Birmingham’s twenty-two. Birmingham’s number 10 attempted the exact same move, however, the ball also slipped away from him. A Bishop Burton player picked up the loose ball and hammered it down over the try line. It was an excruciating watch, the Lions were not pleased. The try was converted. 3-17 to Bishop Burton.
The beginning of the second half presented a regenerated Birmingham XV. The Birmingham backs executed quick, accurate passing across the pitch. At the break down, the scrum-half dummied left and directly sniped through the defensive line with number 11 on his shoulder. A perfect off load from the scrum-half to number 11 saw the winger score, evading a last ditch tackle. The try was converted. 10-17 to Bishop Burton.
In the 52nd minute, the Birmingham forwards lived up to the phrase, ‘Forwards win games, backs decide by how much’. The forwards dominated the rucks dragging in many of the Bishop Burton players, leaving a gap in the defence on the left side. The ball was shipped out to Birmingham full-back and he scored a try. The try was unconverted. 15-17 to Bishop Burton.
In the 66th minute, the Birmingham fly half displayed great composure as he converted a 38-metre 3-point kick which putting Birmingham in the lead for the first time in the game. 18-17.
This series of Birmingham pressure did not stop there as they set on seeing out the game. After a professional line out the ball was shipped out to the full-back on the far left wing. Two great side steps meant he got past the defensive line and scored his second of the game. The try was unconverted. 23-17 to Birmingham. Birmingham sealed the win with another 3 points making it 26-17.
This game demonstrated an incredible turn around that the team can be proud of. The future looks bright and hopefully this can be the start off a successful recovery for Birmingham.
