Bulldogs’ Run Ends

Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League FC’s top-of-the-table clash with Northampton Demons saw Bulldogs, missing some key players, lose their 100 per cent record whilst Demons retained theirs. Four tries from the visitors in the opening quarter left Brum always chasing the game and although ‘Dogs outscored Demons thereafter the early scores conceded proved too big an obstacle to overcome.

Demons went ahead after five minutes when full back Paul Stewart went over from acting half back. Brum then did well to see out another Demons’ attack before mounting one of their own which the visitors kept out.

However, on their next attack, Demons Luke Gardiner broke clear to score by the posts giving stand off Josh Dawes a straightforward conversion. In the next dozen-odd minutes Stewart went over for his second try followed by one for Ben Pointer that made the score line 18-0 to the visitors.

Bulldogs needed to stop the rot, and cut the gap when centre Adam Walker took a quick tap penalty and scythed through the Demons’ defence for a try that stand-off Danny Bancroft goaled. Respite was brief, howver, as a penalty concession by Brum led to a try for Demons’ winger Henry Spears.

Birmingham, though, were beginning to play with greater confidence and some good handling set centre Dan Ventrella on a scorching run up the left touchline for a try in the corner that was excellently goaled by Bancroft to leave the hosts 10 points behind at the break.

HT: Birmingham Bulldogs 12 Pts, Northampton Demons 22

Bulldogs got just the start they needed in the second half: scrum half Beaty weaved his way through the Demons’ midfield defence before shipping the ball to the right where full back Curtis Harris crossed in the corner then cut in to touch down by the posts to give Bancroft a simple conversion that cut the gap to just four points.

Now Northampton needed to respond and did so as prop Adam Seamark went over from close range, Dawes gaoling. Brum battled on, scum half Lewis Beatty kicked ahead after the fifth tackle and won the race to touch down. Demons’ Gardiner then found space for his second try goaled by Dowes. Still Birmingham would not throw in the towel, and Walker strode powerfully through for his second try. But time was running out and Northampton held on for a win that their overall performance merited.
Lewis Beatty took the hosts’ man-of-he-match award, with Adam Walker and Curtis Harris in contention.

Bulldogs next match is a tricky looking fixture away to Nottingham Outlaws “A” next Saturday [June 21]
Kick off at 2:30.

Summary: Birmingham Bulldogs 26, Northampton Demons 34

Birmingham: T. A.Walker 2, D.Ventrella, C.Harris, L.Beaty
G. D.Bancroft 3
Northampton: T: P.Stewart 2, L.Gardiner 2,B.Pointer, H.Spears, A.Seamark
G: J.Dowes 3

Photo Courtesy of SBS Photography