Bulldogs Back on Track

Telford Raiders 8 Pts, Birmingham Bulldogs 26

Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League FC got back to winning ways after two successive defeats with a notable win at Telford Raiders. Playing on an unfamiliar, “3G” artificial surface, Bulldogs were called upon to do a prodigious amount of defending, which they did admirably whilst taking their own scoring chances with some aplomb.

Brum knocked on at the end of Telford’s opening attack; they then conceded a penalty from which Raiders scrum half James Derry found - a bit too much - space on the right to cross for a try.

After withstanding another Telford attack, Birmingham struck back when second rower Davies, in commanding form throughout, broke clear and passed inside to centre Adam Walker who touched down by the posts giving
fellow centre Sam Shepherd a comfortable conversion.

Yet another break from Davies and another try for Brum as good handling saw the ball moved out to the left where winger James Kenny crossed in the corner, Shepherd adding an excellent goal from the touchline.

Telford were going for the line again when Walker intercepted and ran some 90 metres to cross for his second try that Shepherd goaled on the stroke of half time.

HT: Telford Raiders 4 pts, Birmingham Bulldogs 16

Bulldogs made a wobbly start to the second half, losing possession from the kick off. Raiders hurled forward on attack but Brum’s defence was outstanding. Back on attack, Bulldogs thought they had scored again when Burrows made a searing break but the ball spilled from his grasp as he crossed the line.

Then came a 40-minute break in play as a Raiders’ player was unable to regain his feet after a tackle. An ambulance was duly sent for and he was taken to hospital.

Upon resumption, Brum stretched their lead out to a three-score margin as skipper and scrum half Nic Evans twisted his way over from acting half back to score by the posts; Shepherd goaled.

Raiders continued to attack with vigour and eventually made their second breach of he Bulldogs’ line when loose forward Paul Szehofner crossed for a try.

Last word to Birmingham, though, as full back Tom Burrows atoned for his earlier missed chance by beating the home defence to Shepherd’s grubber kick for a try that rounded off a deserved win that keep Bulldogs in second place in the league table.

Toby Davies and Adam Walker shared Bulldogs’ man-of the match award, with Kevin Wilson in contention.

Next Saturday [July 5] Bulldogs are at home to Coventry Dragons, Kick 0ff 2:30

Summary: Telford Raiders 8 ,Birmingham Bulldogs 26

Telford: T. Derry, Szehofner
Birmingham: T. Walker 2, Kenny, Evans, Burrows
G. Shepherd 3