The Bees go into this Saturday’s contest on the back of remarkable second half performance, which saw a 14 man Bees team grab a richly deserved last minute 19 – 20 victory against Preston Grasshoppers last weekend.

Down to 13 men, both props off injured and 19-3 behind with two minutes of the first half remaining, things were looking bleak to say the least for the visitors. But an Adam Canning interception try, well converted by the influential Bees’ No.10, gave the men from Portway a lifeline, which they grabbed with both hands to secure an unlikely and highly memorable win in the second half for Birmingham & Solihull.

Last season, our visitors had a fairly torrid year in National League 1, finishing bottom of the league with just three wins and 20 points – some 35 points adrift from second from bottom Worthing.

Since their return to National League 2 North however, Ionians have made a great start to the current season and at present share top spot with Ampthill, securing 30 points and six wins out of seven thus far.

With Hull Ionians in a league above the Bees last season (2013/14), we have to go back to the 2012/13 campaign when the sides last met. The men from Humberside came out on top on both occasions – indeed they won all but two of their games in that season – gaining (albeit short lived) promotion to National League 1.

The game at Portway in late September 2012 saw Hull take the spoils 9 – 20, thanks to two tries (from Kerry Wilson and Kerry Wood) and a brace of conversions and penalties from the boot of James Ferguson. Al nine Bees’ points were courtesy of three Jack Jolly penalties.

The Bees gave a good account of themselves in the return fixture up at Brantingham Park in February 2013, but Ionians were again too strong, running out 28 – 11 winners.

That day, winger Will Shape ran in two tries, with scores also from Dan Hague and Richard Fletcher. The Ionians tally was completed by two penalties and two conversions from Chris Reakes. The Bees points came from a try by Dan Barrett, a Lee Chapman drop goal and a Jolly penalty.

Speaking ahead of this Saturday’s game, Bees’ Director of Rugby Eugene Martin said; “Last week’s victory up at Preston was one of those days that will live in the memory."

"We wanted to turn things around and put a performance in that we could be proud of. At half time, we were down to 13 men, with two in the sin bin. We also knew that we would have to play the second half with 14 men, going to uncontested scrums."

"The players knew the situation, what was required. We asked for passion, honesty, willingness to do more and a clarity in our communication. They didn’t go into their shells, instead they came out and gave an outstanding performance and secured an important win. It was an emotional end to the game and one, I know, the players greatly enjoyed sharing with our vocal travelling supporters."

"This week, Hull Ionians will present a tough challenge for us. They have only lost one game this season – against Ampthill – and come to Portway on the back of a good win against Sedgley Park last Saturday."

"So this week, it’s been a case of “getting back to the office”, working hard in training on Tuesday and Thursday. I’ve also had my little black book out too, looking at how we can strengthen our front row options in light of recent injuries."

Away from the first team, congratulations to the Colts who beat Lichfield 38-19 at home in last weekend in the second round of the National Cup. They have been drawn away against Bromsgrove in the next round, which is due to be played 22/23rd November.

Sunday 26th October sees four fixtures for the club –The U14 are away at Droitwich (11am KO), whilst the U13 entertain Droitwich at Portway (10am KO). The U12’s are at home too – against Lichfield (10.30 KO), with the U9 travelling to Lichfield (10.30KO)

Full details on each team can be found on the website.