Bees inflict a nine try demolition of Derby

Match Report by Ethan Walker

The Bees overcame a physical Derby side in some style at Portway, scoring 9 tries including a hat trick for winger JT Nabetelevu, as well as keeping a clean sheet in the second half, to run out worthy 57-8 winners. The victory maintained the Bees’ 100% record in the league to date after four games, cementing their third-place position in the table.

Birmingham and Solihull were looking to continue their good run of form against a Derby side who had won two of their openng three games. After an impressive display away at Bridgnorth the previous week, the players returned to their home ground of Portway keen to further extend their unbeaten run.

Derby took the lead early on through a penalty from fly half George Castledine after the home side were caught offside in open play. This instigated a quick response from the Bees, as number 8 Umraan Jadwatt broke off the back of the scrum from the 10m line to score a delightful solo try, safely placing the ball down after last week’s mishap.

The visitors seemed keen to play out wide, utilising right winger Ryan Manning; the Derby man showed good pace and link up play to streak down the side-line before eventually being tackled into touch after some good defensive play by Bees winger Tawanda “Chip” Chipdaza, making his first league appearance this season.

The Bees missed their opportunity to clear from the line out, which led to Derby piling on pressure within their opponents’ 22. Eventually the pressure told and a three on one overlap allowed flanker Sam Tebbs to score in the corner. Castledine couldn’t add the conversion but Derby were 5-8 in the lead. However, that would prove to be the high water mark for the visitors’ afternoon.

Once again, the men in black and yellow were able to respond almost immediately, following a strong run by flanker Ashley Scriven. This enabled hooker Zane Raimondi to assist teammate Danny Wright for an easy walk in score. Captain Jolly made the conversion to put the Bees 12-8 ahead.

New kid on the block JT Nabetelevu then added to his growing personal scoring tally, with Jadwatt again in the thick of some powerful running rugby. The fourth and bonus point try was secured on the brink of half time, with second row Andy Weaver getting in on the action with his first of the season after a stolen lineout in Derby’s 22.

Having weathered a tricky opening 20 minutes, Birmingham and Solihull were now well in command at the half time whistle, with the score line at 22-8.

The second half proved to be a battle of fitness more so than anything else and it was the Bees who were the ever-dominant side as game panned out. A further two tries from winger JT secured his hat trick, with a brace also from influential No.12, Nathan Tilsley. His centre partner Jimmy Oliver got a slice of the action too, with a breakaway try, as Derby pressed in vain to get on the scoresheet in the second half.

Five out of five conversions in the second period from Jack Jolly rounded off what was a complete performance and a comprehensive 57-8 win for the Bees. Derby would have had much to ponder on the journey home.

The Bees are just one point adrift of fellow unbeaten sides Newport (Salop) and Peterborough Lions, who have both secured maximum bonus points in all four outings to date. This Saturday (30th September, KO 3pm) the Bees travel north to face Doncaster Phoenix for, what is sure to be, another test of their early season credentials.

Birmingham & Solihull Bees: - 1. Joe Foreman, 2 Zane Raimondi, 3. Kurtis Payne, 4. Andy Weaver (T), 5. Danny Wright (T), 6. Reece Donaldson, 7. Ashley Scriven, 8 Umraan Jadwatt (T), 9. Jack Jolly (6C) ©, 10. Max Rodman, 11. Tawanda Chipdaza, 12. Nathan Tilsley (2T), 13. Jimmy Oliver (T), 14. JT Nabetelevu (3T), 15. Harry O’Brien, 16. Matt Probert, 17. Chris Thompson (YC) & 18. Matt Dight.

Referee: Rob Teare