Mitch McGahan – Bees’ very own Dan Carter - was coolness personified in slotting home a penalty with the last kick of the game to secure a vital 18-16 victory for the visitors against Sutton Coldfield writes Mike Podmore.

In football parlance, this bottom of the table encounter would be described as a “six pointer” – in rugby terms it meant a vital four league points for Birmingham & Solihull and leaves Sutton Coldfield firmly at the foot of National League 3 Midlands.

In somewhat inclement weather, the Bees kicked off the match into a strong headwind. The opening exchanges were pretty even, with neither side able to dominate. After 7 minutes Sutton Coldfield were awarded a penalty, which was duly nailed from 45 metres out by fly-half and ex Bee Alex White to give his side a 3-0 lead.

White was unsuccessful with a second penalty attempt after 12 minutes, whilst the Bees' best effort came from a darting run and kick through by winger Chris Fensome, which took his team deep into Sutton Coldfield territory; ultimately the home side were able to clear the danger. Just before the end of the first quarter, McGahan's skillful chip was fielded by speed merchant Nyle Beckett, who sprinted in from a few metres out to score Bees' first points of the afternoon. McGahan hit the post with a difficult conversion. But the visitors now led 3-5.

Early in the second quarter the home side, with the elements in their favour, began to dominate possession and territory. The Bees’ cause was not helped when they received two yellow cards in the space of 3 minutes, firstly losing prop Pete Koziot after 25 minutes and then winger Beckett.

Luckily, the Bees defence was well organised and held firm and the forwards can be well pleased with their excellent counter rucking game. In fact, the only points the home side could muster in the remainder of the first half was a 35th minute penalty scored by White, to give his side a 6-5 lead.

Just before the half-time whistle the ever dangerous McGahan had a mazy run and kicked deep into Sutton Coldfield territory, but the home were able to hold out, keeping the score at 6- 5 at the break.

The Green & Whites were on their game at the start of the second half, moving the ball quickly across the pitch and soon created an opportunity for their left wing Mark Rayner to score in the corner. White missed the tricky conversion, but Sutton had extended their lead to 11-5

It was not long before the Bees were back on the scoreboard, McGahan kicking a penalty to narrow the gap to 11-8 after the home side were caught offside. However they then gifted the next points to the home side; instead of clearing from inside their own 22, they opted to run the ball and were adjudged to have given a forward pass. From the resultant scrum, Sutton Coldfield got the ball to their dangerous full back Nathan Burchell, who jinked around a number of last ditch Bees tackles, to touch down and give his side a 16-8 lead, White missing the conversion.

It was the Bees turn to up their game and McGahan led the way, making a clever break, but on this occasion the move lacked the necessary support. With 10 minutes or so of the game remaining, blindside flanker (and another ex-Bee) Kinsey Stoddard, was yellow carded. With their one man advantage, the Bees took the game to the home side and it was not long before Matt Spink, who had started the game in the back row, forced his way over for a try close to the posts. McGahan converted with ease.

Bees were now trailing by just one point with all to play for, and sensed their opportunity when Sutton’s loose head prop, Stuart Collard, was yellow carded with minutes remaining. Bees were trying hard, but the Green & Whites were hanging on desperately to their lead. However, one last effort from the Bees resulted in Sutton Coldfield being penalised for being offside. The cool-headed Kiwi McGahan did his job, the referee blew his whistle and Bees gladly took the 16-18 win.

What goes around comes around and with the Bees losing several matches on the final play of the game in the last 12 months, this hard fought win was deserved reward for their endeavor, particularly with three new players - Zane Raimondi, Lewis Lawlor and Brian Sibiya - all making their first team debuts.

Hopefully, Ian Matthews’ men will take heart from this significant victory and be able to finish 2015 on a high at Finstall Park, Bromsgrove next Saturday, 19th December 2.15pm kick off. A local derby not to be missed!

Team

Birmingham & Solihull – Sam Davenport, Chris Fensome, Jimmy Oliver, Aaron Wilson, Nyle Beckett (T), Mitchell McGahan (2P, C), Martin Hooker, Ashley Scriven, Darren Forder, Matt Spink (T), Liam Dunne, Chris Goddard ©, Pete Koziot, Zane Raimondi, Dan Toth. Replacements – Lewis Lawlor, Billy Castle and Brian Sibiya.