Bees supporters association travel reports
At the Battle of Corbridge in the year 918 AD, a combined force of Anglo-Saxon and Scottish warriors fought a large Viking army on the banks of the River Tyne to decide who would rule over the Kingdom of Northumbria. This was a territory which stretched between modern day Newcastle in the south and Lothian in the north. The Vikings split their army into four divisions. Three of these were easily defeated by the Northumbrians and the Scots but the fourth, which was kept hidden in reserve, is said to have slaughtered them in return. With daylight fading, the fighting ended with both sides claiming victory.
Nowadays, it is hard to imagine a scene of such brutality in a place so beautiful, where the Tyne meanders gently through the dales and forests. That being said, the modern Northumbrians, like their ancestors, have a talent for repelling invaders: only now, the rugby field has replaced the battlefield; the blue and white hoops of Tynedale RFC are preferred to armour, swords and shields; and a 38 game unbeaten home record speaks for itself. For most of the Bees’ traveling support, this was always going to be the game of the end of season run-in that we were most nervous about – especially having watched Tynedale, fired-up by an outstanding individual performance by on-loan Newcastle Falcon Tim Visser, become the first (and hopefully the last) team to beat us in the league at SXR this season. Still, ferried north by a fleet of trains, cars and cadged lifts, we arrived in sufficient numbers to make ourselves heard in our usual rowdy (but friendly) way from the sidelines.
The 2009 Battle of Corbridge began with an immediate raid into Tynedale’s 22 by Chris Brightwell. The Kiwi back rower’s awesome ball-carrying ability has become a major feature of the counter-attacking style of rugby that the Bees have adopted in the last few games, and provided a great many hard yards against Tynedale. Confidence looked high, but it quickly became apparent that the Tynedale lads, like the warriors of old, knew how to put up a good fight. The Birmingham press, with their eyes elsewhere (on some other local side who were winning some cup-thingy down in London: well done, by the way!) described the eventual 22 – 45 score-line as a ‘demolition,’ but I don’t think anyone there would be quick to use a word as emphatic as that. The home side deservedly took the early lead with a penalty in front of the posts and what followed was a fast and very even game with fierce rucking and counter-rucking at the breakdown producing plenty of turnovers for both sides.
The difference between the two sides, to borrow a boring truism from football punditry, was that the Bees took their chances. Some uncharacteristically slack defence from Tynedale repeatedly let in B&S’s pace men – first Rob Connolly from close in, then two from Simon Hunt from much further out. Tynedale then came back with a penalty and a try of their own but just as our nerves began to fray Mark Woodrow scooped up a loose ball and scored underneath the posts. With Tynedale coming back strongly early in the second half, the biggest cheer of the afternoon (for us at least) was reserved for Simon Hunt’s third try: a side-stepping, tackle-breaking run from half way which left the defence for dead and also broke Bees’ legend Nick Baxter’s long-standing Division 2 record of 29 tries for the season (in the colours of Worcester). Not to be outdone by the backs, Alex Davidson smashed his way through the defence to add his name to the score sheet after a typically elusive run from Reece Spee played him in. Tynedale, although struggling from this point, never gave in and they always looked dangerous, even when Rod Petty administered what was effectively the coup de grace late in the game, they still had enough determination left to go over for a consolation try.
With nature providing the eye-candy as the sun set over Corbridge, we spent the evening (strictly for research purposes) sampling the fine food and ales on offer in the village amongst some of the friendliest people we have ever met on our travels with the Bees. I’d recommend a visit to anyone.
See you all at the Reds game!
Steve (with thanks to Jim P. for the lift)
For several years, Cornwall has not been a happy hunting ground for the Bees. Penzance and Newlyn, for instance, once some of our favourite whipping boys, have plundered the spoils every time we have met since they rebranded as the Cornish Pirates; and who could have forgotten the clash between the Bees and the Cornish All Blacks in February of last year? Billed as the ‘Battle of Britain’ by the Launceston supporters the game, which we lost, was a struggle between Division 1’s two basement clubs which offered little more than a slim chance of survival to the winner. They circulated an on-line poster which included a graphic depicting a dogfight between a Spitfire and a Messerschmitt 109 over Polson Bridge. One can only speculate about which team was supposed to be represented by which Second World War fighter plane here: but since most Spitfires were made in Castle Bromwich in Birmingham the use of that image, however ironic, can be said to have backfired spectacularly. Both of us got relegated anyway.
Leaving aside the big win over Mounts Bay at the Mennaye in Penzance last September, our meetings with teams from the Duchy still get too close for comfort, even in a lower division. The season had started with a narrow defeat in front of Redruth’s ‘Hellfire Corner,’ the home of the loudest supporters in Division 2. Prior to this bank holiday fixture, B&S had already faced Launceston twice this season: at SXR in the League (winning 23 – 19) and at Polson Bridge in the cup where eventually Bees won 15 – 10 after a last-gasp try in extra time.
There appeared to be very little interest among Bees supporters in taking a coach to this fixture, and a fortnight of long-hauls to distant venues in a fleet of cars began. They appear to keep Good Friday in Launceston: the streets were all-but deserted and very few places had bothered to open for the day: except for that great friend of the thirsty rugby supporter, the pub! About 10 of us managed to meet up, more by luck than judgement, in the very cosy Newmarket Tavern for a couple of pints of Betty Stoggs’ bitter - the undisputed ‘Queen of Cornish Ales.’ The afternoon’s sport began with a Jenga game between the Jinks’ boys and the pub landlady. After an epic struggle, the B&S father and son team were crowned unofficial all-Cornwall champs with a record confirmed by the landlady. Then we all took the short drive down Launceston’s steep main street to the ground, where a sizeable contingent of away supporters, which more than made up for the reluctant absence of some of our regular travelling hard core, had camped in a section of the shed end on the half-way line. I was slightly amused by the Club President’s welcome message in the match day programme when it asked ‘can we do Redruth a favour?’ In the last three years, I’ve travelled all over the Duchy and chatted to fans and officials of all the major Cornish clubs (Bay, CABs, Reds and Pirates) and I think it’s fair to say that they don’t like each other very much. There probably were a few fans of the other Cornish clubs in the sizeable crowd – I certainly ran in to |
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a couple of my pals from the Mounts Bay Boarding Party – but I can’t imagine us wanting to do any kind of favour for any of our local rivals. The same programme ran an article by former Bees flanker (now Launceston captain) Tom Rawlings promising ‘a display of rugby which the club and the support deserve’ and the thought dawned on me, not for the first time, that we were in for a tough game for stakes that I didn’t completely understand. |
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The Cornish All Blacks took to the field to the tune of a punky version of ‘Trelawney,’ (traditionally the Cornish national anthem) in front of a more or less packed Polson Bridge, and proceeded to concede a try in the first minute to Simon Hunt. An immediate response followed as Bees gave away a couple of penalties and conceded a try produced by a neat passing move between the CABs impressive backs. There appeared to be very little change for them in the centre of the park though as B&S’s forwards began to grind their way to dominance over a brave but weaker pack. For much of the first half, Launceston had the greater share of possession and territory; but they found the Bees’ overwhelming counter-attacks too quick and too incisive to handle and let in two more tries (another from Hunt and one from Reece Spee) before half time. Despite coming back with an early second half penalty, the CABs never really got back into the game, and it finished with the Bees’ forwards on the attack. First, Rob Connolly scored after a powerful drive by the pack; before utility back Ryan Tomlinson contributed to hooker Jack Preece’s well-taken try and a 35 to 16 Bees victory. We were especially pleased for Ryan, the young Canadian centre - whose confidence was visibly building all afternoon - because his family had come all the way over to see him. We think he did them proud.
Steve
The day started well with a packed coach, we very nearly didn’t have a spare seat for the bar! It was great to see so many new faces on the coach, if it hadn’t been for a few regulars not coming we would have been oversubscribed. Our stand-in barman was a bit slow to get started but once he got the hang of it did a fine job, well done Simon. It was a short journey and Cinderford is a lovely little town, right on the top of a hill, views were spectacular all round down in to the Severn Valley and across to Wales, however that also meant it was very exposed.
It was great to see so many other Bees fans had traveled to the game independently as well. We were definitely the noisier of the supporting teams. The game started and we were rewarded with a great try in the first few minutes. Cinderford weren’t going to let us get away with that thought and promptly scored and we were all equal, 7 - 7. Penalties were swapped and it was still level, 10 – 10, however those were to be Cinderford’s last points of the day.
The sun shone, it rained, it hailed, the wind blew but it didn’t stop the Bees storming to another great victory and we were treated to a great second half with four more tries and the bonus point secured, final score 36 - 10. It was great to see the Knight brothers haven’t changed, Paul still mixing it up and causing trouble and Dave as strong as ever, but Mitch made him run a little too fast for a ball chase, which I hear wore him out. The icing on the cake was when we heard Redruth had been beaten and we were now top.
Another great day out was had by all and many first timers promised they would be back with us next season. Let’s hope so.
Paul
With great relief the wheels of the coach started turning at just after 10am for our visit to Westcombe Park. This was our first away trip since Stourbridge on the 20th December and we were all getting withdrawal symptoms. With a few of our hardy regulars missing, it was wonderful to welcome some new faces on the coach. Let's hope they become regulars for the few away matches remaining. It was also great to once again have the company of Gail and Paul Davidson on the coach.
With the journey being nearly all motorway and no hold ups, we arrived at just after 1pm. It was a surprise to see just how far the pitch was away from the clubhouse and the bar! A strategy was going to be needed!
With a good number of vocal Bees fans, the team were given a great welcome onto the pitch. However, Westcombe Park were not going to be pushovers and made life very difficult for us in the first half. With a try from Alex and another try and conversion just before the break, Bees were now leading 12-6. Sensibly the Bees team decided not to make the hike back to the clubhouse but remained on the pitch. The same could not be said for some of the supporters, as the call of the bar was far too strong! Spillage and evaporation took its toll on the way back and those expecting to receive a full pint were sorely disappointed.
Bees started the second half very strongly and scored another try. Everyone was hoping for just one more to secure the bonus point but Westcombe Park were not making life easy. The last play of the game resulted in a great Bees try which was converted, to leave the final score at 29 - 11. Five points - job done! Well done lads.
As always, the journey back was not quiet or sober. DJ Jinxy played his music and and the 3 hours passed very quickly - unless of course you had a headache!
A great day out, enjoyed by all and as usual, many thanks to Linda for all her work and organisation.
Rona
Sometimes it’s hard being an away supporter. With no coach being laid-on for Blaydon, the four of us faced the daunting prospect of going all the way to Newcastle on public transport – with all its annoyances of litter-strewn train carriages, tinny MP3 players, funny men with vocal tics, football fans with daggers in their eyes, and agitated businessmen hogging the tables with their laptops. Having already booked in advance with lastminute.com (always worthwhile for long-haul trips!) we eventually made it to the Newcastle / Gateshead Hilton, who had been offering half-price deals just after Christmas. Sometimes it’s hard being an away supporter – but not this time. After spending Friday evening in moderate luxury, we made our way by cab to Blaydon’s ground.
Tucked into a little hollow in Swalwell, just outside Gateshead, Crow Trees is a pretty ground with a very impressive modern clubhouse. We didn’t have to spend very long wondering where the other Bees fans had got to: we were immediately met by Russell Earnshaw’s parents (and family dog), and then by Cameron Mitchell’s folks. The rest of the usual suspects – almost a full complement of away supporters – were waiting for us in the bar or thereabouts: John and Tony representing the club’s top brass; Bill, Nigel and Billy from the Dirt Trackers; Jinksy and Merson (got there first after an impressive dash north from Solihull); John T. over from Harrogate; Russell Ashworth from Liverpool; and Matt Long’s family up from Gloucestershire. We counted 19 people and 1 canine in total.
As we walked across the 200 muddy yards of no-man’s land stretching between the clubhouse and the terraces, the Bees came swarming (pause for groans at the use of cliche) out of the changing rooms looking mean, focused and menacing in the white away strip. I’m glad we didn’t have to face them: the only thing to do was to get out of the way.
Finally, the 2:15 kick-off brought a frustrating, frosty month without rugby to an end. A frenetic first 2 minutes saw possibly the quickest blood-binning ever (Craig Voisey, straight from the kick-off) and one of the quickest tries (courtesy of Mitch Culpin). 3 penalties from Mark Woodrow, coupled with some generously erratic goal kicking from his opposite number, kept the scoreboard ticking over in the right direction; before a further score by Rob Connolly courtesy of Cameron Mitchell (both of whom seemed unstoppable at times) saw Bees going into the break 21-0 up. In spite of their unbeaten home record Blaydon, clearly, were not at the races.
Blaydon rallied in the second half. Russell Earnshaw (not Alex Davidson, as the match announcer seemed to believe) was sin-binned for tackling a man who, to put it kindly, had not quite taken the pass yet; and this led to a sustained period of pressure by the home side. The Bees’ defence was fairly solid, though, with a few Blaydon players getting acquainted with Leo Halavatau...the hard way. Those bone-crunching tackles of his have got to hurt. It’s good to see him back. The game was effectively sealed for Bees by a breakaway try, finished by Shaun Pammenter, although Blaydon did manage to make the scoreline more respectable with a couple of late consolation scores. All that remained for us to do was to make a series of calls to Launceston RFC to find out the CAB’s versus Redruth score.
Post-match relaxation came in the form of a local jazz band, and a long and interesting chat with a few of the players. We enjoyed it so much that we were among the last people to leave the clubhouse, as we made our way back to the restaurants and bars of the Newcastle quayside.
On behalf of all of the Bees’ traveling supporters we’d like to dedicate this piece to our dear friend Jim Baillie, who died last Thursday. There isn’t much that can be added to Paul’s tribute on the main page, except perhaps to say that we’ll remember Jim as a truly great raconteur: his quick-thinking, dry wit lit up many a chilly Thursday evening in the SXR clubhouse, and many a coach journey back from defeats at various locations in the national leagues. It won’t be the same without him. We hope that the cheerful tone of the above piece does not offend anyone – we think Jim would have wanted it to be like that. Our thoughts go out to his family with love and deep sympathy.
Steve (with contributions from Vanessa, Penny and Ian)
This is our closest club so the journey wasn’t very long, however we managed a packed coach and the beer was flowing before we even left the car park. We had decided on a festive theme for the game and although some people chickened out of the nativity costumes on the day, we were all tinseled up with Santa hats a plenty. The prize must go to Amanda from the bar for her ‘Miss Santa’ outfit.
Stourton Park is a lovely ground and we watched the Under 7’s play Stourbridge from the first floor bar before the game, they won 3 games to 1. The colts were also playing, although I don’t think they did as well. There was a good crowd there and as we have several old Stourbridge players in our squad and they have several of our old players too it was going to be a bit of a grudge match. It was interesting to see our first lady – touch judge, she did a great job, which is more than can be said of the ref.
However it was an exciting game and the lads kept us waiting till the second half to stamp their mark on the game, they like to think it makes it make it more exciting to watch, I’m sure. They played a great game though, with a maximum points, 35 – 25 win to keep us in contention at the top of the league. Well done lads. It was really appreciated when Russell Earnshaw came on the coach and thanked us for our support and wished us Happy Christmas, it’s just a little gesture, but it makes us loyal supporters very happy. Cheers Russ.
Paul
We started off on a good note by having a VIP executive coach, with tables, leather seats and a kitchen on board. Unfortunately our intrepid leader Linda couldn’t make it. It was very foggy all the way, but as we were ensconced in luxury nobody really noticed. We were greeted on arrival by the wonderful log fire in the club house which is always a welcome site on a cold grey day. Even better all that way up north, they were showing the Blues v Wolves game.
The lads were incredibly focused in the warm up and their interesting array of beards and hair colours luckily didn’t affect their playing. The fog came and went throughout the game and we could see what was happening, then we couldn’t. The only one who stood out was Rod Petty with his bright blond hair! Despite the fog and lack of visibility at times the lads played very well and won with a respectable 52 – 16 score line.
As usual the locals made us feel very welcome, even if they did run out of pies at half time. The icing on the cake was hearing the Redruth result in the clubhouse meaning we were that bit closer to top spot. Another great day out, go on come and join us!
Paul
Once again the intrepid fans headed south to another new venue. Although missing some of our regulars we welcomed back some old faces. The journey down could not be described as quiet as Jinksy was with us once again, but the beer monitor did a wonderful job and Amanda provided some lovely culinary delicacies form her canteen on the back seat.
On arrival at the Southend ground there was a large group dining in the main bar, so we made ourselves comfortable in the remaining ‘cosy’ bar.
To watch the game a crowd of us made use of a balcony above the clubhouse which gave a good view of the pitch and was also very convenient for the bar!
Bees played with a strong wind at their backs during the first half which they dominated with some superb play which saw them reaching their four tries and the bonus point after just half an hour. They continued playing really entertaining rugby throughout the second half and at the final whistle it was 39 – 14 to the Bees.
As always, it was much appreciated by the supporters, when the lads came over to chat to us after the game. In the bar afterwards their supporters were saying that was the best their team had played so far this season and what an entertaining game of rugby it was to watch. Needless to say, a happy band of supporters headed north again joining in with the ‘sing–along–a –Jinksy’ on the way back. Another great day had by all...what are the rest of you waiting for? Come and join us!
Rona
What an amazing venue for a rugby match. The scenery was fantastic, the sun was shining. We were surrounded by dry stone walls and green hills and there was even a footpath that went through the middle of the pitch. We were made extremely welcome by the members and entertained by their announcer before the game on the differences between Birmingham and ‘God’s Own Country’ as he liked to call Wharfedale, as well as our ‘professional’ team and his that got paid in lamb chops!
We were hoping for an exciting game following the previous week’s matches, however with the sun in their eyes the team made heavy weather of it and just managed to get a penalty for each of their tries in the first half. The second half the optimism was back. The last few games we have seen a different side in the second half, but alas it was not to be, and the Wharfedale boys defended very well and ran the ball even better. The result was a disappointing 41-12 loss.
The team did come over to the supporters after the game to chat and offer their apologies, which I’m sure was the last thing they wanted to do, but it was much appreciated. Let’s hope this will spur them on for the next few games.
Paul
A beautiful weekend all round. The sun certainly shone on the righteous on Saturday in Penzance. The lucky few met in the lovely Alexandra Inn, located on the corner of Mounts Bay’s homely ground which in years gone by was also used by Cornish Pirates. I was happily informed by Steve and Vanessa that the local Cumberland bitter & cider was of a high quality which didn’t go down too well as I was the designated driver...typical! After arriving at the ground armed with yet another glass of Coke we made our way to the far corner of the ground to cheer on the boys. |
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At long last we put a team to the sword - how long have I waited to say that? The boys scored 9 fantastic tries all of the highest quality, finished off with a fine piece of show boating by Rob Connolly when completing his hat trick. I’m sure Rob will be only to pleased to show you the picture of this at the Blaydon game on Saturday.
The Mounts Bay faithful very sportingly congratulated us on our victory including one chap who was glowing with praise for Rob, Reece & Woody’s performances. It was great to see past players Nicky Griffiths and Marika Vakacegu at the game and catch up with them - Marika went on to score a hat trick the next day for Pirates against Nottingham so well done to him. All too quickly it was back to the car for the return journey and a little prayer that the road-works at Bristol where finished.
Jinksy
Last Saturday was our first away trip by coach. Our usual dedicated supporters were on board. Retaining last years price, we still are able to charge only £20 per adult which is inclusive of travel and ground entrance and whilst the coach was over half full we still have plenty of room for future away supporters.
Cambridge's was a pleasant modern ground with a manicured green pitch which the players were not even allowed to warm-up on! Usual onsite food was readily available but several of us opted for the roast lamb and mint sauce baps.
After participating in the usual pre-match beers, we then congregated en masse on the half-way line in the sun. In the first half we were treated to the best exhibition of play most supporters could remember. Bees played superbly and at half time we replenished our glasses anticipating a Cambridge thrashing. Unfortuantely, as regular supporters have witnessed before BeesSA hearts missed several beats as the Bees just held onto victory.
With the first away win under our belts we all rejoined the coach for our return journey with our resident barman on board, Alastair, plying us with drinks to enable us to sing all the way home.
Linda
Last weekend a few hardy souls made the 500 mile round trip to watch the season opener at Redruth. The weather was shocking right up to the game, but at least it stopped raining ahead of kick off albeit a strong wind was still present.
Redruth dominated the first half but a surge by the Bees in the last fifteen minutes looked like we could have won, however a last minute penalty to Redruth left us with only a bonus point for a close losing score, 35 – 28.
We all had a great weekend despite the scoreline and weather and it was great to see a couple of new faces too. Most of us stayed at the Penventon Hotel on Saturday night with good food, booze and company part of the deal. Sunday morning saw us take a trip to Portreath beach, in the sunshine, for a paddle and swim for the kids. Great fun and a great time had by all.
Paul
