Narrow win sees Bees into Cup Final

Bees will face Newport (Salop) in the final of the North Midlands Cup after securing a hard fought 13-12 victory over the holder's Old Halesonians, writes Mike Podmore.

The Bees will be delighted to have beaten Old Halesonians at the third time of asking this season, albeit by the narrowest of margins. The men in black now have a golden opportunity to finish a tough season on a high in the final against Newport (Salop) on Sunday 8 May, at the neutral venue of Dudley Kingswinford.

Bees kicked off the game, in front of a large Portway crowd, in dry but somewhat chilly conditions. A scrum resulted as the men from Hagley knocked on. However, Old Hales took the ball against the head and went on to have the better of the opening exchanges of this cup semi final.

After five minutes the home side managed to take the game to the cup holders, and were awarded a penalty. Fly half Mitch McGahan was successful with his attempt which cannoned off an upright before going over. The home side now enjoyed a 3 point lead. From the restart Old Hales applied pressure and were successful in controlling the ball through several phases of play. Bees defence was excellent, tackling an Old Hales player into touch near the try line, and shortly afterwards forcing their opponents to knock on when they seemed sure to score.

Bees, on their second meaningful visit to opposition territory, were again awarded a penalty. Fly half McGahan obliging to give his side a 6 point lead after 15 minutes of play.

The game was now pretty even with both sides attacking at every opportunity, and defending for their lives where necessary. Unfortunately for Bees, lock Billy Castle was sin binned early in the second quarter for not rolling away. Fly half Oliver Rayner was off target with his attempt, Bees maintaining their six point lead.

Home winger Chris Fensome had a darting run with 5 minutes or so of the first half remaining, but the move eventually came to nothing. Just before half-time, Old Hales received their first yellow card of the game, hooker Peter Fitzgerald being the recipient. Moments later the enjoyable first half came to an end with Bees holding a six point lead.

The majority of the supporters present were hoping for more of the same from Bees in the final 40 minutes, but despite being one man down Old Hales took the game to Bees on the restart and forced the men in black Bees to commit an offence at a defensive scrum. The away side kicked the resulting penalty to touch, won the line-out and drove over for their first points of the game. Fly half Rayner added the extras with a well taken conversion to give his side a one point lead at 7-6, with 47 minutes on the clock. A key moment in the match was to occur moments later with Old Hales having a try disallowed, due to a pass in the build-up being narrowly forward.

Following this, Bees upped their game and dominated possession and territory for the next 15 minutes. The away side were having difficulty defending Bees attacking line-outs, and Old Hales problems were compounded with the sin binning of both of their flankers, Max Macfarlane and Tom Jordan, within minutes of each other. Bees eventually made their numerical advantage count with inside centre Jimmy Oliver going over for the home sides first try of the game. McGahan was successful with the conversion to give Bees a 13-7 lead.

With Old Hales restored to 15 players, it was Bees turn to defend valiantly a series of scrums five metres from their own line. Prop Dan Toth was sin binned and the men in blue and orange soon forced their way over for their second try of the game, fly half Rayner missing the tricky conversation, so Bees led 13-12 with six minutes or so remaining.

Shortly before the end of the game McGahan missed with a penalty attempt, when it may have been more prudent to kick for touch and run the clock down. With the game deep in injury time Old Hales tried a last ditch drop goal which fell short, Bees cleared and the referee blew to end the match. Final score Bees 13 Old Halesonians 12.

The first half was compelling, with both sides playing enterprising rugby. Unfortunately, the second 40 minutes did not flow, due partly to an overabundance of minor injuries. In summary, both sides put in a mighty shift and it was Bees who triumphed on this occasion.

Interim coaches Willy & Spanner and the players have worked assiduously over recent weeks to improve matters and reaching the final of The North Midlands Cup is a fitting testament to their efforts. So to all Bees supporters, show your appreciation and come and support your team in the final against Newport (Salop) on the afternoon of Sunday 8 May, at Dudley Kingswinford.

COYB.

Birmingham & Solihull:- 1. Dan Toth (YC), 2. Zane Raimondi, 3. Pete Koziot, 4. Billy Castle (YC), 5. Chris Goddard (c), 6. Ashley Scriven, 7. Darren Forder, 8. Matt Spink, 9. Jack Jolly, 10. Mitch McGahan (2P,C), 11. Arron Wilson, 12. Jimmy Oliver (T), 13. Michael Whettell, 14. Chris Fensome and 15. Alex O'Malley. Replacements (all used): Kurtis Payne, Matt Tibbatts and Martin Hooker.