Bees’ promotion hopes hang by a thread following a disappointing performance at Nuneaton

The Bees were unable to exert any control over a powerful Nuneaton side, who played the best part of 55 minutes without the services of its fly half, Rory Vowles, who was red carded for a tip tackle on Bees openside flanker, Michael Stephens, writes Mike Podmore.

In breezy conditions, Nuneaton edged the initial exchanges without posing any real threat to the Bees’ resolute defence. In fact, the visitors were first to register a score when Jack Jolly slotted home a tricky penalty after 5 minutes to give his side a 3-0 advantage. Nuneaton, however, were soon back on level terms. Vowles, scoring the home team’s first points of the afternoon when the Bees conceded a penalty for being off side, shortly after losing a defensive line out.

After 15 minutes a Nuneaton rolling maul got very messy and a scuffle ensued. Consequently, home No 5. Scott Makepeace and Bees captain, Chris Goddard were both shown yellow cards by referee Rob Teare. At the end of the first quarter Jolly was penalised for a high tackle, Vowles missing the resulting penalty. Little did the home fly half know that, a mere five minutes later, his afternoon would take a significant turn for the worse.

A Nuneaton chip through was well fielded by the ever-alert Stephens, who ended up being tip tacked by Vowles and landing on his head. The tackle did not appear to be malicious, but referee Teare had little option but to show Vowles a red card.

The Bees seized the initiative in the following period of play, and were soon awarded a penalty when Nuneaton interfered at the breakdown. The ever-reliable Jolly giving Bees a 6-3 lead.

However the Bee’ numerical advantage did not last long. Joe Foreman, on for Pete Koziot, was yellow carded for a no arms tackle. Home full back, Rhodri Adamson levelling the scores at 6 a piece.

Nuneaton were certainly seeing more of the ball, and their dynamic No. 8, Umraan Dixon-Jadwat, was proving to be a real handful for the Bees defence. Shortly before half time, he was hauled down on the Bees 22 metre line. For once the ball was recycled quickly and Rob Cook, the former Cornish Pirates and Cherry & Whites favourite, seized the opportunity to force his way over for the game’s opening try. The conversion was missed by Adamson, but Nuneaton now led 11-6.

The Bees were not helping themselves, the second restart in a row being kicked directly into touch. The final play of the half saw Nuneaton's Adamson miss a long range penalty attempt.

The Bees started the second half brightly. Nuneaton were penalised for being offside at a scrum, and Jolly duly obliged by putting over his 3rd penalty of the afternoon, to make the score Nuneaton 11 Bees 9.

Time after time the well drilled Bees’ defence was able to repel the home sides efforts. A long defensive kick from the Bees territory found touch close to the Nuneaton line. The home side were caught offside shortly after the 5 metre line out, Jolly adding his 4th penalty of the afternoon to give the Bees a somewhat unlikely 12-11 lead. This was short lived as Bees offended at the breakdown after Rob Cook had been tackled. Adamson restored the home side’s lead to 14-12.

A Nuns infringement soon gave the Bees an opportunity to retake the lead, but Jolly was to be unlucky, hitting the outside of the post from distance.

The Bees attacks were becoming few and far between. With 10 minutes remaining, they suffered the indignity of being pushed off their own scrum 20 metres from their line. Nuns replacement, Nick Smith, immediately forcing his way over for his sides second try of the afternoon. The conversion was a formality for Adamson.

In the dying embers of the game the Bees tried to move the ball, but the home side were able to smother their attacks with ease. Nuneaton were worthy winners of a hard fought game. Final Score, Nuneaton 21 Bees 12.

From a Bees’ perspective this was a most disappointing result. Defensively we stood up well and Jolly's place kicking was top notch. However attack wise, the Bees lacked the necessary cutting edge to open up the home defence.

With promotion prospects now hanging by a thread with just five league games to be played, the Bees welcome local rivals, Old Halesonians, to Portway next Saturday 11 March, 2.15pm kick off.

Birmingham & Solihull Bees:- (1) Pete Koziot (2) Zane Raimondi (3) Kurtis Payne (4) Andrew Weaver (5) Chris Goddard © (YC) (6) Ashley Scriven (7) Michael Stephens (8) Danny Wright (9) Jack Jolly (4P) (10) Ben Phillips (11) Tawanda Chipadza (12) Isaac McNulty (13) Jevon Hinds (14) Chris Fensome (15) Max Rodman. Replacements (16) Joe Foreman (YC) (17) Matt Tibbatts (18) Charlie Mumford.

Referee Rob Teare