With three last minute cry offs the boys went into battle at Walsall with just 13. A positive start saw the visitors on the front foot and a good break down the right from centre Mikey Thomas and skipper Dan Bagby, unfortunately saw the greasy ball spilt and the home side took full advantage, picking up the loose ball and running the full length of the field to lead 7-0 after just 5 minutes.
From the restart Bees continued to exert pressure in both attack and defence and further spilt ball meant scoring opportunities went begging although scrum half Cameron Powell thought he'd scored from a close ruck but the referee was unsighted and couldn't give it.
Having re grouped at half time Bees started strongly, trying to move the ball wide in difficult conditions on what was becoming a very heavy pitch. With the ball worked to the left, wing Matthew Dight fed Powell on the outside who went under the posts for a try, converted by Dight.
Another score soon followed when quick hands from centre Matt Bentley put Dight in space to score. The conversion fell just short and now in front at 12-7 bees were forced to defend their own line with some big hits from Bagby, Rees and Cooper that put their opponents on the back foot and allowed them to turn the ball over and clear their lines.
Looking for another score a break from prop forward Pete Wardell saw him race 50 metres but a lack of support saw it come to nothing.
Finding themselves back on their own line following a catch and drive from a line out Bees again held out with Watson stealing the ball quite legally but the referee had other ideas and from the penalty Walsall tied the game with a close forward drive.
From the kick off Bees were able to secure possession and with minutes remaining they ran the ball wide and Thomas fed Dight for a winning score. The conversion again fell just short.