The National League 3 Midlands side gave a good account of themselves against a home side one league above them and the Bees would have perhaps hoped for a slightly more emphatic win ahead of their forthcoming National League 2 North campaign, which starts next week.

Still, a win is a win and the good turnout at Portway to watch both the First XV and the Development side in action was a reflection of the palpable sense of optimism that pervades the club ahead of the new season.

The first half was a rather scratchy affair, with the visitors robust in defence and a home side which showed plenty of industry but struggled to stretch the opposition out wide. Relative parity translated into a 3-0 half time score line, with just an Adam Canning penalty separating the two sides at the break.

The Bees made wholesale changes at half time, bringing six substitutes into the fray. In the forwards, Adam Kettle replaced Pete Koiziot at loose head, new signing Lewis Grinsell (ex Hartpury College) came on for Will Crane at hooker, with Steve Leach on or Matt Spink. Whilst in the backs, Rod Petty took over the scrum half berth from Jack Jolly, Chris Fensome came on for Ian Briggs and Steve Johns slotted into the left wing position, replacing debutant Chris Carlin (ex Marines/Moseley Oak).

The changes brought fresh impetus to the Bees and Dai Evans – now on the right wing – coming close in the corner. Soon after, Adam Canning used his height and strength to touchdown from close range after his forwards had won a scrum against the head. The Bees’ fly half couldn’t add the extras, but the scoreline was looking healthier at 8-0.

Steve Leach certainly added some ‘go forward’ at the base of the scrum in the second half, although that is to take nothing away from Tama Hill who was impressive both at No.8 and blindside flanker in the second half. American trialist Taylor Howden (who is a player not a building firm) caught the eye at outside centre and ringing the changes in the front row seemed to give the Bees the edge in the scrum in the second half.

As the second half progressed, Birmingham & Solihull continued to apply the pressure, but squandered a couple of good opportunities – captain Chris Goodard notably knocking on at a ruck on the Nuneaton line. However, the Bees were playing with more intent and zip and the handling was certainly crisper than it had been in the first period.

Canning kept the scoreboard ticking over with another mid range penalty and the Bees made their dominance of both possession and territory count with an unconverted try on the left wing for Steve Johns, after another probing – if not somewhat erratic - run from Dai Evans on the opposite wing.

The men from North Warwickshire were nothing if not plucky and indeed looked the more dangerous of the two sides on the break. Their enterprise was justly rewarded by a try for front rower Darren Dean after a good break from his inside centre. The conversion was unsuccessful but the margin had been narrowed to 16-5.

However the Bees hit back immediately with a second try from Steve Johns, who glided in with his normal grace under the posts. Canning added the regulation extras to give a final score line of 23-5.

Whilst pre-season has been relatively successful compared to previous years, on today’s evidence there is still some oil to be added to the machine if all is to be well in the season opener against Otley next Saturday (6th September, at Portway, KO 2pm). Credit must also go to Nuneaton who were competitive throughout this entertaining friendly.

Birmingham & Solihull – Dai Evans, Ian Briggs, Taylor Howden, Rob Connolly, Chris Carlin, Adam Canning (T, 2P, C), Jack Jolly, Tama Hill, Darren Forder, Ashley Scriven, Chris Goodard ©, Matt Spink, Nick Bingham, Will Crane, Peter Koiziot. Substitutes (all used) Chris Fensome, Steve Johns (2T), Rod Petty, Steve Leach, Lewis Grinsell, Adam Kettle.