Bees too strong for newcomers Newbold

Match Report by Ethan Walker

Four tries for lock forward Matt Spink helped the Bees rack up another comprehensive win – this time against Newbold on Avon, keeping the as yet unbeaten men from Portway top of the league.

After last week’s win away from home at Longton, Birmingham and Solihull returned to Portway facing a new challenge in shape of Newbold on Avon. The Warwickshire side had been promoted from Midlands 1 East last season as champions, but found themselves near the bottom of the table coming into the match.

The Bees started in their now typically strong fashion, with some good carries and tackles to match in defence. This did not faze “the Bold” however, who looked to counter with some hard-running lines and strong interplay.

Yet it was the home side that took the early advantage, Matt Spink opening his and the Bees’ account following a strong run from teammate Umraan Jadwat. The No.8 was able to pick the ball from the scrum and carry his side to just inches from the try line, leaving a simple pick and drive for the burly lock forward. Skipper Jack Jolly was able to add the extras, making the score 7-0 with just seven minutes on the clock.

JT Nabetelevu then secured two tries in quick succession. The pick of the two came after a lucky bounce on a clearance kick – the supercharged winger was able to run onto the ball which sat up just nicely, easing to the try line with just one defender to beat.

Jolly was able to convert only one of these tries but the home side was already 19-0 to the good. The large and appreciative crowd did not have to wait long until the bonus try point was secured, as Spink went over for his second score of the game five minutes before the break.

Despite being down to 14 men with lock forward Tom Grimmett in the sin bin, Newbold weren’t going to just lie down, and the league new boys showed good fighting spirit and alacrity to pick holes in the Bees defence. They were rewarded with a series of penalties and eventually found their way to the try line, Ben Dawes scoring through a forward’s pick and go. Bees prop Joe Foreman earning himself a yellow card in the process. O’Brien added the extras for Newbold.

The Bees quickly added to their 26-7 half time advantage with centre Steve Johns blasting his way through the Bold’s defence with just one minute into the second forty. Winger Tawanda Chipadza grabbed a further two tries for himself, after initially coming off in the first half with a leg injury.

But it was Matt Spink who was to grab the headlines with a further brace in the second period to take his try tally to four for the game, as the Newbold gradually ran out of ideas and steam, even with Max Rodman yellow carded for 10 minutes. Jolly was able to add two more conversions in the second half to take the final score to 55-7 at the final whistle.

The Bees now have a challenging period ahead of them with three consecutive away trips in prospect. First up are Newport (Salop) this Saturday (4th November, KO 2.15pm) who currently sit in third place in the league.

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

Referee: Richard Waller