The Bees travel to Otley tomorrow (Saturday 25th April, KO 3pm) for their last game of the season knowing that only a minor miracle can save them from relegation from National League 2 North.

Last weekend’s heartbreak against Hull was compounded by the fact that the Bees other two relegation rivals – Luctonians and Preston Grasshoppers – both secured wins. That means that Birmingham & Solihull are now second from the bottom of the league table with 53 points, with Hull (54 points) and Luctonians (57 points) in third and fourth from bottom spots respectively. Both have won ten games to the Bees tally of eight.

So, to avoid the drop, the Bees must achieve a bonus point win against the Yorkshire side on Saturday, whilst relying on Luctonians (who play Leicester Lions at home) losing without picking up a losing bonus point. This equation also relies on Hull being beaten at home by Preston Grasshoppers.

The Bees have won up at Cross Green in recent history and indeed could have beaten Otley in the opening game of the season on 6th September. Then, however, a last gasp Stephen Depledge penalty consigned the Bees to an agonising 23-25 defeat – a pattern that unfortunately was to be repeated many times as the season unfolded.

Otley for their part will no doubt wish to end their season on a positive note, having lost their last four games – against Broadstreet (H), Stockport (A), Ampthill (H) and last away last week against Sedgley Park.

Stranger things have happened at sea and the Bees fans making the trip along the Otley mile will be ever hopeful that miracles – however unlikely - can happen. Those heading north (to God’s own country – Ed) will also have chance to say farewell to departing Director of Rugby Eugene Martin.