BULLDOGS HOLD ON FOR A WIN IN A NAIL-BITER

Birmingham Bulldogs 30 Coventry Dragons 24

Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League FC’s top of the table match with league leaders Coventry Dragons did not take place in the 100-degree heatwave that had been forecast – or feared. But it was hot enough, weather wise and gamewise as the two sides went at it hammer and tongs from first to last. Only a late penalty goal made the game safe for Brum.
Bulldogs got just the start they wanted when full back and skipper Matt Dudley rose high above the Dragons defence to claim the ball from an up-and-under to touch down by the posts. Half back Sam Edgar added the goal.
The hosts then defended well, but a - slightly harsh – penalty for ball stealing gave Coventry a position from which stand off Adie Iliff went over for a try goaled by left-winger Cameron Tune.
Birmingham then had more defending to do, but some resolute tackling and a fine catch by Farnham denied the visitors.
Bulldogs were defending again when stand off Andrew “Beefy” Burton intercepted and scooted some 60 metres to the posts for a try that Edgar goaled.
Back came Dragons: from a scrum, centre Phil Molloy crossed wide out; but Birmingham responded just before the break as Burton finished off a great break by Oli Sankey to dive over from acting half back for his second try.

Half Time - Bulldogs 16 Dragons 10

At the start of the second half, Bulldogs resumed where they had left off at the end of he first as Burton stepped his way through a rather static Dragons defence for his hat-trick try, Edgar goaling to give Brum a 12-point lead,
It was not to last, tries from full back Kelvin Devoisey, right winger Carl Liddington – this one well goaled by Tune – and industrious second rower Dave Whiting put the visitors ahead 24-22.
Bulldogs went back on attack, and once again it was a kick that unlocked the visitors’ defence, and once more it was Dudley who claimed it, touching down for a try that Edgar goaled to restore the home lead to 28 –24.
Weller was certain he had scored a try, but he had just been forced into touch. However, a penalty to Bulldogs some 30 metres out was goaled by Edgar to stretch the lead to a crucial six points.
Brum still had some defending to do, but they managed to hold out for the remaining minutes to record a memorable win that leaves Bulldogs in third place in the league table.
Glen Farnham, a handful for the visitors defence all match, just piped Burton and Edwards for Bulldogs’ man of the match. The relentless Whiting took the honours for Dragons.

Bulldogs next fixture is away to Nottingham Outlaws “A” next Saturday July 27th at 2:30 pm.

Summary: Birmingham Bulldogs 30 Coventry Dragons 24
Birmingham:
Tries: A Burton 3, M Dudley 2
Goals: S Edgar 5 (1 pen)

Coventry:
Tries: A Iliff, P Molloy, K Devoisey, C Liddington, D Whiting
Goals: C Tune 2