Bulldogs Back on Track

Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League FC came into their match with Coventry Bears “A” on the back of two successive defeats, and after the opening quarter of an hour, a third loss loomed. But Brum fought back well, generally making the most of a minority share of possession, and held on for a memorable win.

Playing up the slope, Birmingham grabbed possession from the kick-off, but it was Bears who opened the scoring after three minutes when right wing Chris Dixon cross in the corner. Cov were dictating matters at this stage, and extended their lead to 10 points when Greg Moore touched down and scrum half George Rea added the goal.

Bulldogs needed to stop the rot, and cut the gap to four when left-winger Jermaine Bernard snaffled an up-and-under – Dogs’ tactic of choice – and cut in for a try that stand-off Sam Edgar converted. Edgar then joined the try scorers list, selling a dummy after another up-and-under, and crossing close to the posts for a try that he also goaled.
Bears were attacking as half time approached, but lost possession when Brum left winger Curtis Harris intercepted and raced clear of the visitors’ defence to touch down by the posts, Edgar goaling.

HT: Birmingham Bulldogs 18 pts, Coventry Bears “A” 10

With the slope now in their favour, Bulldogs returned to the attack at the start of the second half and centre Toby Davies went over for a try that Edgar goaled to give the home side a 14 point lead.

Not for long though, as Bears roared back: in barely a dozen minutes, tries from hooker Harry Marks, centre Rich Synott and winger Miles Hibbs whittled Birmingham’s lead down to two points at 24-22. Bears did all they could to rescue the game, but Dogs defended determinedly to keep them out. Then, with under five minutes left, full back and skipper Matt Dudley broke clear and held off his pursuers to cross wide on the left and clinch a win for Bulldogs that they just about deserved.

It was a welcome win for Bulldogs for whom Edgar pipped Dudley and Matt Beattie as man-of-the match for Brum; Conor Slater was Coventry’s MOTM.

Bulldogs next fixture is away to North Derbyshire Chargers next Saturday (June 29 at 2:30 pm)

Summary: Birmingham Bulldogs 28, Coventry Bears 22
Birmingham: T. J.Bernard, S.Edgar, C.Harris, T.Davies, M.Dudley

G. S.Edgar 4

Coventry :T: C.Dixon, G.Moore, H.Marks, R.Synott, M.Hibbs

G: G.Rea