Men’s Rugby 1sts vs York 1sts
At the Bournbrook pitches, the Men’s first XV got 2015 off to a flying start, claiming a 33-5 victory, though the game was over by half time against York.
The opening period was a very one-sided affair, as Birmingham controlled both possession and territory to take a 28-0 lead at half time. The kick-off set the tone for the half, as York was unable to kick the ball 10 metres, leading to a Birmingham scrum on half way. The first score came early on, after a series of penalties gave Birmingham an attacking line out just metres away from the York line. Following the line out, the hooker was able to power over from close range to give the hosts an early lead.
The second score was very much an advert for rugby, with the right winger making a break down the touchline before delivering a perfectly timed pass that put the outside centre in under the posts. The centre then went in again, making a break himself and gliding past the defenders. The final score before the interval, and the one which really sealed the win, was attributed to the flanker. With Birmingham having a scrum midway in York territory, the flanker packed down at Number 8. The pack delivered a very powerful scrum, and number 6 picked up the ball at the base, and was able to run down the blind side untouched.
With the snow falling at the end of the break, the second half was less one sided. York picked up its defensive effort, and with the wind at their back they were able to attempt to mount some attacks. However, neither team was able to really open up the defence, or capitalise when they did, and the game became an error riddled one, played in the middle of the park.
The first score of the half went to York, and it was to be their only points of the game. After a kick ahead was kept in by Birmingham, an offload infield was unable to find its target, as the York scrum half intercepted it, and then had the legs to run it around 40 metres down the side-line. Birmingham were able to restore their 28 point lead, though, as a backline move saw the replacement winger touch down in the right hand corner. Both kickers were unsuccessful from the touchline.
