Bulldogs Work Hard To Keep Record

Bulldogs made to Work Hard to Keep Record

Derby City 20 Pts, Birmingham Bulldogs 36

Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League FC kept their 100 percent record intact with their third win of the season. But once again they had to work hard for the points against a rugged Derby City outfit, as two late tries secured the win
In a pattern that repeated itself throughout the match, an early score from Bulldogs’ right winger Adam Walker, excellently goaled from the touchline by Danny Bancroft, was answered by an unconverted try from Derby.
A try from Brum centre Justin Kearns (goal Bancroft) was followed by one from the hosts.
Rain was making handling difficult and causing errors. Derby conceded possession close to their goal line and Birmingham second rower Chris “Barney” Balmforth crashed through for a try that the reliable Bancroft goaled to round off the scoring for the half.

HT: Derby City 10 pts, Birmingham Bulldogs 18

After the restart, once again Derby responded, a try straight from a scrum narrowing the gap to four points. Bulldogs’ reply came from industrious stand off Nic Evans who weaved his way through the home defence to touch down close to the posts, Bancroft converting.
Still Derby would not buckle, a converted try cutting the gap to four points.
Birmingham regathered themselves and looked to close out the match: a fine score, the best of the match, saw Gregory break clear and provide a perfectly-timed assist to Kearns who crossed for his second try.
Finishing strongly, Bulldogs sealed their win as a grubber kick into the home in-goal was not dealt with by the defence and Evans pounced on the loose ball to register his second try, Bancroft then landing his sixth conversion from as many attempts. With few minutes left, Brum held out for a hard-won win.

Nic Evans was Bulldogs’ man-of the match, with Justin Kearns and Chris Balmforth in contention.

Next Saturday [May 31] Bulldogs are at home to North Derbyshire chargers at Birmingham Exiles RFC, Old Damson, Lane, Solihull (Kick off 2:30)