Match Report - Bees U17s take league title

By The Bee Hive
February 4 2014

Birmingham & Solihull under 17's became North Midlands League Champions after a 20-0 victory over Dudley Kingswinford at Portway. The early exchanges saw Bees adapt to the wet and windy conditions and playing up the slope dominated possession with a series of strong runs from both forwards and backs but could only manage a penalty from winger Matthew Dight to lead 3-0 after 8 minutes. The bigger Dudley forwards then began to secure possession of their own with a series of effective driving mauls from the line out that saw the home side defend desperately, kicking well to clear their lines. They were then forced to make changes with centre Ben Phillips taking over at fly half following a serious shoulder injury to Josh Wardle. However further possession saw some intelligent kicking that put the Dudley back three under pressure and from this the ball was moved wide with full back Michael Thomas feeding Dight who cut inside to cross for an un converted try.

At 8-0 the second half began with Bees on the front foot with the strength of their backs beginning to tell, moving the ball wide at every opportunity. However the visitors battled well but could not find a way through, with centres Dan Bagby and Henry Peuthurer holding firm. This sustained spell of pressure from Dudley tested the home side's resolve but a break from Phillips saw him dummy and side step though the centre to score under the posts. Dight added the extras. The visitors defence now began to crack with replacements Matthew Bentley and Frazier Wilding making effective breaks and some clever tactical kicking kept Dudley pinned back in their own 22. Another flowing move then saw Dight collect his second try out wide that was unconverted. Shortly afterwards with Bentley yellow carded Bees played the last 10 minutes with 14 men but another huge defensive team effort saw them home to take the title and now move into the rounds of the National Cup .