Bulldogs Take Control

Despite an early slip-up, Bulldogs were in overwhelming form, running in a total of 16 tries.

Coventry started brightly as, following a scrum, loose forward Conor Slater went over for a try.

The rest of the half, in scoring terms at least, belonged to Brum. With prop Edwards leading the charge the first quarter saw tries from Jermaine Bernard, Nic Evans, Curtis Harris and Andrew “Beefy” Burton with Sam Shepherd adding the goals to each score.

Brum’s elusive winger Joe Williams went over in the corner, followed by Dan Ventrella. Second touchdowns for Bernard and Williams were in turn followed by a try from Adam Bromley, Shepherd adding four more goals to these scores.

HT: Coventry Bears “A” 4 pts, Birmingham Bulldogs 52

Birmingham were playing up the slope in the second half and came under some pressure early on. but the visitors’ defence held. They returned to the attack, and a slick assist from Baldock put Adam Walker over on the right. Skipper Matt Dudley then weighed in with a brace of tries, the first goaled by Shepherd who also improved a second try for Ventrella. Soon after, Burton crossed for his second touchdown.

To their immense credit, Coventry never stopped trying and gained due reward when Slater went over for his second score, full back George Rae adding the goal.

In the final minutes Brum posted two more scores with a try for Matt “Egg” Beattie (goal Shepherd) plus a second for Walker following a kick form Burton to round off a win that enhances Bulldog’s chances of a play-off spot.

Laurence Edwards was Birmingham’s’ man-of the match, with Burton and Williams in contention. Slater was MOTM for Bears.

Next Saturday (July 6) Bulldogs have a tough-looking fixture at home to Northampton Demons “A” (kick off 2:30)

Summary:
Coventry Bears “A” 10 Pts, Birmingham Bulldogs 88

Coventry:
T: C.Slater 2
G.Rae

Birmingham:
T: J.Bernard 2, N.Evans, C.Harris, A.Burton 2, J.Williams 2, D.Ventrella 2, A.Bromley, A. Walker 2, M.Dudley 2, M.Beattie G: S.Shepherd 12