Bulldogs Finish On A High

Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League FC ended their season on a triumphant note as they captured the Midlands Division 1 Trophy in an intense encounter with Derby City. Derby had brought a big pack and Brum had to put in a determined- near manic at times - defensive display. But on attack, the Solihull-based side were just that bit sharper as the four-to-one try-count attests.

An early blow for Bulldogs came with a facial injury to prop Mark Bunn. Nonetheless, Brum had the first chance to score but knocked on. Then the first of a series of great tackles from Ventrella spiked a threatening Derby attack.

Soon after, Brum took the lead as second row Greg Pearson took Joe Gregory’s assist to storm down the right flank to score a try that was well converted by centre Danny Bancroft.
Ten minutes on, and the scores were level as standoff Joe Frobisher crossed adroitly for a try that centre Jack Pearce converted.

Spurred on by this, Derby continued to press and opened out a four-point lead courtesy of two penalty goals from Pearce.

As half time approached, Bulldogs went on the attack: a high cross-kick from Pearson was knocked on by a Derby defender, the referee played advantage, and right wing James Kennie was on hand to grab the ball and touch down to level the scores at the break.

HT: Derby City 10 Pts, Birmingham Bulldogs 10

The start of the second half saw an outbreak of fisticuffs that resulted in a yellow card for a player from both sides.

Things soon settled down, and Brum stand-off Matt Dudley opened up the Derby defence with a searing break from within his own half, And Dudley it was who came back into the attack immediately after, breaking the Derby line for a try to which Bancroft added the extras to make the score 10-16 in Bulldogs’ favour.

Derby then mounted a series of attacks spearheaded by their big props: it seemed that the Brum line must surely crack, but some great defence, in which the tackling of Bernard and Harris was particularly noteworthy, kept the line intact.

With about ten minutes left, Brum’s’ Bancroft put in a long kick downfield; centre Curtis Harris gave chase and succeeded in beating the defender to the ball to score a try beneath the sticks; Bancroft’s conversion gave Birmingham a 12-points lead at 10-22.

With a few minuets remaining, Derby did all they could to rescue the situation, but Bulldogs’ held out for victory.

Skipper Beattie was Brum’s man of the match but there were numerous others in contention from a great team performance.

Bulldogs’ season is now ended, but they will look to strengthen their squad for enxt year.

Summary: Derby City 10, Birmingham bulldogs 22

Derby
T: J. Frobisher
​G: J.Pearce 3 (2 Pen.)
Birmingham:
T. G.Pearson, J.Kenny, M.Dudley, C.Harris
​G. D.Bancroft 3