Old Hales hold on to halt Bees’ winning run

Old Halesonians held on, despite being reduced to 13 men for the final 8 minutes of the game, to beat Birmingham & Solihull 10-8 in the tightest of encounters at Wassell Grove.

The Bees’ came into the game with their tails up following four consecutive wins, but overcoming a doughty Old Hales side, sitting in third spot in the league, was always going to be a big ask.

The visitor’s cause was not helped when they conceded a try in the sixth minute – in form winger Joe Oxford finished a good move by the backs in the top left corner of the pitch, shrugging off a last ditch tackle from Bees’ fullback Alex O’Malley. The successful conversion by fly half Ollie Rayner was all the more impressive, given the blustery conditions.

Despite playing up the slope and against the wind, the Bees then had the majority of both possession and territory for the bulk of the remaining half. Try as they might, they couldn’t break down the dogged old Hales defence, with at least four driving mauls from line outs thwarted by the men in blue and yellow hoops.

The error count was high from both sides, partially excusable given the conditions and the Bees would have been frustrated by the amount of ball that they turned over. However they weren’t alone in coughing up ball – Matt Tibbatts dispossessing former Bee Leach was a moment to savour for many a Bees’ supporter who had made the trip down the Hagley Road.

Just before half time, Old Hales regained the momentum and won a kickable penalty, which was duly dispatched by the reliable boot of Rayner to give the home side a 10-0 advantage.

The first quarter of the second half was all Bees but, despite at one point shoving the home scrum back 15 metres and eventually winning a penalty, old Hales remained 10 points ahead.

The Halesonians’ dam eventually broke after 30 minutes when hooker Zane Raimondi went over from close range after another Bees driving maul. McGahan was unable to add the extras, but the deficit was reduced to 5 points.

With the Bees continuing to play a rather narrow style of rugby, It seemed like the tide might be turning, especially when Old Hales lost two players to the sin bin in quick succession. Firstly lock forward Breeze for an infringement at the ruck, with No.8 Steve Leach following shortly for petulance.

Despite reduced numbers, Old Hales drew upon all their stamina and mental resources to hold out and, with O’Malley just pipped to the touchdown after his chip and chase in the dying seconds, the win was theirs.

Given their recent renaissance in form, the Bees would have been disappointed with the result – in the final analysis it was a game that they could and should have won. It therefore probably served as a useful reminder that, despite much improved performances in recent weeks, they are a side that is still far from the finished article.

Much credit should also go to Old Hales, who showed tremendous resolve in defence – not least in the last 10 minutes of the game – to keep their slender lead intact and take the four points. For the Bees, there was the consolation of a losing bonus point.

The match official was also worthy of a mention in dispatches – he was decisive and consistent throughout and refereed the game admirably, despite the conditions and the potentially combustible nature of this local derby.

This isn’t the last time the two sides will meet this season – there is the small matter of a North Midlands Cup semi final at Portway in three week’s time and, given the evidence of this game, this will be a close encounter of the third kind.

In the intervening period, the Bees will entertain Old Northamptonians at Portway next Saturday (27th February, KO 2.15pm).

Team

Birmingham & Solihull:- Alex O’Malley, Sam Davenport, Arrom Wilson, Jimmy Oliver, Nyle Beckett, Mitchell McGahan (P,C), Martin Hooker, Matt Tibbatts, Ashley Scriven, Darren Forder, Matt Spink, Chris Goddard©, Pete Koziot, Zane Raimondi (T) Dan Toth. Replacements –Kurtis Payne, Chris Fensome and Micahel Stephens.