Bulldogs have to work for win

With Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League FC’s league fixture being postponed, Leamington Royals stepped in to fill the breach. Although Royals play in a division lower than Brum they proved to be resilient opponents. Playing up the slope Bulldogs began briskly with tries from Andrew Burton (goaled by Sam Edgar) and skipper Matt Dudley. Soon after Court just failed to add a third.

Royals had bought some big forwards and, on the back of a penalty they set up a position from which stand off Rhys Horton crossed wide on the left. Bulldogs responded with a try from left-winger Mark Court after Davies collected an up-an-under to provide the assist. Burton then added a second try, Edgar goaling. Scoring for the half was completed with a try from busy stand off Nic Evans who found space in the right corner.

HT: Birmingham Bulldogs 24 pts, Leamington Royals 4 pts

Leamington forced a goal line drop-out at the start of the second half, but knocked on on attack. Then Brum’s Adam Baldock had a score disallowed for a forward pass. However, Royals knocked on from the scrum and Sam Edgar found a gap to post his second try which he duly goaled. Leamington reapplied themselves and centre Steve Alford pounded up the slope to cross between the posts for a try that Horton converted.

Bulldogs reply was prompt as sub forward Julius Hunt charged over to touch down; Harry Baldock converted.

Last word to Leamington as Alford strowed over for his second try.

It was useful work out for Bulldogs; Nic Evans was man-of-the match with Davies and Beattie in close contention. For the visitors Horton took the honours.

Next Saturday June 8th Bulldogs are away to Coventry Dragons which promises to be a tough test.

Summary: Birmingham Bulldogs 36, Leamington Royals 14
Birmingham: T: A Burton 2, M Dudley, M Court, N Evans, S Edgar, J Hunt
Goals S Edgar 4

Leamington Royals:T R Horton, S Alford 2 Goals: R Horton

Report by John Simkin