Bulldogs Fail to Bridge the Gap

Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League FC could not get back to winning ways against Nottingham Outlaws “A”. As in their previous week’s match, Brum conceded too many points in the opening quarter, which gave them just too much to do late on, hard though they tried.

Birmingham looked to be on the way to a try with their frist attack but the move was called back for a forward pass. Outlaws then went ahead as a simple left-right move put Adrian Chaima over in the corner, Phil Reeves adding the goal.

Bulldogs responded promptly, Davies and Burrows drove at the line, then hooker Adam Bromley went over from acting halfback.

Two quick tries, from Phil Artley centre Alex Betts, both goaled by Reeves took Notts out to a 14-point lead. This was trimmed to eight when a break from Morris ended with full back Sam Shepherd crossing in the left corner for a try to which scrum half Danny Bancroft added an excellent conversion.

Nip and tuck, as a try for Notts’ Coryn Ward (goal Reeves) was followed by one for Brum’s Dean Morris from an assist by Bancroft.

Last score of the half came with a second try for Outlaws’ elusive Chaima, Reeves converting well to put the hosts 16 points ahead at the break.

HT: Nottingham Outlaws “A” 30 pts, Birmingham Bulldogs 14

Bulldogs needed the next score to get back into contention and got it as good play by the backs ended with left-winger Tom Burrows scoring his first try for the club, Bancroft goaling. Soon after Burrows made a terrific break but was hauled down just short of the line by Chaima. Outlaws were more productive, loose forward Joe Barton touching down close to the posts to give Reeves a simple goal kick.
Soon after a try from Phil Artley took Nottingham’s lead to 20 points.

Brum refused to buckle: second rower Toby Davies, Bulldogs outstanding player on the day, made a storming break up the centre and was on hand to complete the attack with a well-taken try.

Spurred on by this, Brum went to the home line again, where debutant Gary Hykin finished off good approach work with a try.

Time was running out, but Birmingham stuck to their task; a break by Evans was carried on by Skitt, who was unlucky to be hauled down just short of the line as time ran out.

Toby Davies was Bulldogs’ man-of the match, with Dean Morris and Tom Burrows in contention.

Next Saturday (June 28th) Bulldogs are away at Telford Raiders at Telford Hornets RFC. Kick 0ff 2:30