Bulldogs Made to Work for WIn

Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League FC travelled to North Derbyshire needing to ensure that the latter’s bottom of the league position did not lead to any complacency. Just as well they kept this in mind, as the home side put up their best show of the season. Ultimately, Bulldogs extra pace in the backs carried them to victory, but it was a tough ride.

Brum’s Bernard was injured in the opening minutes but recovered to play a full role in the match.
Chargers, as they did throughout, played to their size and strength in the forwards, and took a deserved lead when scrum half Josh Rymell went over from acting half-back for a try that prop Damien Pope goaled.
Brum responded: having just failed to score with a “power play”, the gap was cut to two as centre Adam Walker broke clear.

Chargers replied with a try from Pope following a scrum. Scoring for the half was completed when Bulldogs’ Burton broke clear and fed centre Toby Davies who touched down for a fine score.

HT: North Derbyshire Chargers 10, Birmingham Bulldogs 8

An early second half score was going to be important for either side, and it came as Burton and Bernard combined to put centre Curtis Harris over to give Birmingham the lead. The visiting backs now began to use their pace to good effect. Left wing Joe Williams marked his debut by forcing his way over in the corner. Then scrum half Nick Evans broke the home defensive line and just held off his pursuers to touch down.

Finally centre Dan Ventrella showed a terrific turn of speed to race for the posts for a try that second rower Adam Baldock converted to give Brum a 16-point lead. But Chargers kept at it to the last and had the final say score wise as centre Dave Brown crossed on the right and Pope goaled to round off an intense and enjoyable match.

Toby Davies, who put in a terrific tackling stint, edged out Andrew Burton and Curtis Harris for Brum’s man-of-the-match award. Pope took the award for North Derbyshire.

Next Saturday [July 6] Bulldogs are at away to Coventry Bears “A” [kick off 2:30]

Summary: North Derbyshire Chargers 16 Pts, Birmingham Bulldogs 26

N.Derbys: T: J.Rymell, D.Pope, D.Brown
G: D.Pope 2
Birmingham: T. A. Walker, T.Davies, J.Williams, C.Harris, N.Evans, D.Ventrella
G. A.Baldock

Report by John Simkin