Bulldogs Lose Tense Opener

A late (or not so late) penalty goal landed by visitors Telford Raiders saw Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League FC make a losing start to their Midlands Premier League Campaign. Brum had three times come from behind to lead but could not make it for a fourth time. Observers from both clubs seemed to think that the referee blew for full time at least five minutes early, if not sooner.
Steve Taylor opened the score for Raiders, going over from close range. Ben Lewis added the goal.
Bulldogs responded with a try from the ebullient Greg Pearson, scrum half Sam Edgar adding the extras.
Two further quick tries from Raiders: one winger Dan Thomas and a second for Taylor, Lewis converting.
But Telford knocked on the restart and Birmingham capitalised, prop Matt Skitt crashing over for a fine try on the left and Edgar adding an excellent goal. A second try for Pearson evened the score at 16-apiece, and close to the break, prop Adam Baldock (H.Baldock also in side) took a short assist to crash over by the posts, Edgar goaling.

HT: Birmingham Bulldogs 22 Pts Telford Raiders 16

At the start of the second half, Brum conceded a goal-line drop out. From a shortish kick, Telford went to the home line where Lewis went over close to the posts, and added the conversion for good measure.
Back came Bulldogs again: centre Andy “Beefy” Burton broke clear some 20 metres from his own line and raced up the touchline for a memorable try, Edgar’s conversion making it 28-22 to Brum.
Raiders replied with a try from hardworking Denham Samuels, converted by Lewis to make it 28-all.
The clinching score came when Bulldogs conceded a penalty, Lewis kicking a comfortable goal.
To some disbelief, the referee then gave the time remaining as 40 seconds; Brum did all they could to grab a winning try but time ran out.

Post match reaction varied from puzzled to positively Fergusonesque.

Bulldogs must now put this behind them and turn their attention to next weeks’ home fixture with North East Worcestershire Ravens (ko 2:30)
Pearson was Bulldogs man-of-the-match, though Edgar and Dudley were well in contention; Samuels took the honours for raiders