Bulldogs Make Strong Start

Brum’s forwards gave a distinctly bigger home pack as good as they got, and their backs generally had too much pace for the home side on the flanks.
The opening ten minutes saw Bulldogs’ right winger James Lewis cross twice for tries that were converted by centre Danny Bancroft; left winger Dan Ventrella then raced down the touchline before cutting in to the posts for a try that Bancroft once again goaled comfortably.
Prop Mark Smith burst through the home defence for a try by the posts; James Kenny added the goal.
Back to the backs, as stand off Andrew “Beefy” Burton went on a strong solo run from his own half to touch down.
Lewis then posted his hat-trick try (goal Kenny).
Scoring for the half was rounded off with a brace of tries from centre Adam Walker, the second goaled by Bancroft. Birmingham knocked on from the restart but Ravens subsequent attack failed on a wayward pass,

HT: North East Worcestershire Ravens 0 pts, Birmingham Bulldogs 44

No let-up as the second half began, as centre Joe Gregory went on a 70-metre run to the line for a try that was well goaled by Bancroft.
But if Brum had thoughts of a 100-point haul, Ravens had other ideas and they deservedly posted their first points with a try in the corner from right-winger Dave Wimbury to which he added an excellent goal. Spurred on by this, the hosts added another six points as second rower Kieran Woodhouse ran strongly to cross on the
Right, Wimbury converting.
Back came Bulldogs: a scrum led to a second try for Ventrella; a fine break by Tarpin led to a touchdown for Justin Kearns.
Lewis broke clear to notch his fourth try. This was goaled by Kenny who then joined the try scorers’ list, adding the goal himself.

Mark Court was Bulldogs’ man-of the match, with Luke Tarpin and Conor Reidy in contention.

Next Saturday [May 10] Bulldogs are at home to Nottingham Outlaws A at Birmingham Exiles RFC, Old Damson, Lane, Solihull (Kick off 2:30)

Summary: NE Worcs. Ravens 12 Pts, Birmingham Bulldogs 70

NE Worcs: T. D.Wimbury, K.Woodhouse
G. D.Wimbury 2
Birmingham T: J.Lewis 4, D.Ventrella 2, M.Smith, A.Burton, A.Walker 2, J.Gregory, J.Kearns, J.Kenny
G: D.Bancroft 5, J.Kenny 4