Bulldogs Grab a Point at the Last Gasp

Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League FC kept their hopes of a home tie in the top four playoffs alive – just – with a score in the dying seconds of an intense and absorbing fixture against Leicester Storm “A” at Scraptoft. It was hardly champagne rugby – a pre-match downpour and intermittent rain throughout saw to that – but the players on both sides gave their all.

Bulldogs knocked on in-goal from the kick-off, and had to withstand an intense attacking spell from Storm.

Then, somewhat against the run of play, Brum took the lead as the ball was moved right to left down the back line where pacey winger Nathan Burchell rounded his opposing marker to cross fro a try that scrum half Danny Bancroft converted.

Leicester returned to the attack, and strong running from their forwards led to a try in the left corner for centre Anthony Ekiwunde; Lewis Chapman added a good conversion to level the scores at 6-6.
Both sides continued to battle out, mistakes being plentiful. Just before half time, Storm took the lead for the first time as winger Roddy Campbell touched down in the left corner.

HT: Leicester Storm “A” 10 pts, Birmingham Bulldogs 6

Birmingham got just the start they needed early in the second half, right winger Dan Ventrella making the most of mishandling by Storm to go over in the right corner; Bancroft’s goal kick went over “in off” a post to put Brum ahead once more by 12 points to 10.

But Leicester continued to press strongly and two unconverted tries, from Josh West and Tim McIntosh took them clear at 18-12. A further blow then came for Bulldogs as skipper Nic Evans had to leave the field with a chest injury.

Brum reorganised and got back on terms when Storm mishandled and the ever-alert Ventrella was on hand to scoop up the loose ball and outpace the home cover for his second try, Bancroft’s conversion levelling the score at 18-18.

Storm rumbled again, a try from Dave Weston, goaled by Chapman re-establishing the hosts’ six-point lead with barely four minutes left.
Somehow Brum got possession after the restart and forced their way to the home line. With second remaining, Bulldogs were awarded a penalty and second rower Toby Davies, as he had threatened to do all match, finally shook off his tacklers and crashed over between the posts.
Bancroft had a simple straight-on conversion and kept his nerve to kick the points, whereupon the referee blew for full-time.

Kevin Wilson took man-of-the match for Birmingham, with Mile Florey and Toby Davies in contention.

The draw leaves Bulldogs third in the league table, one point behind Leamington Royals and one point ahead of Telford Raiders whom Bulldogs play at home next Saturday [July 9] kick off 2:30. Brum need a win to have any chance of a home semi-final tie in the top four play offs.