By Michael Flynn
October 27 2008

Bees player-coach Russell Earnshaw heaped praise on his team’s front five after a gutsy comeback in a National Two encounter at windswept Rectory Field. The visitors made little headway in the first half but kept themselves in touch with a fine try by full back Reece Spee just before the interval. The assistance of the wind prompted a more direct approach after the break as the Bees took

on their powerful opponents up front.

Earnshaw said: “We knew first half we were into the wind and we tried to play a little bit more. In the second half we played a much more territorial game and hats off to the front five. Blackheath have got a very good scrum. It is the main part of their game and we did pretty well.”

After an early penalty apiece, Blackheath scored the first try of the match as open-side flanker Dave Allen burrowed over from close range in the tenth minute. Matt Leek added the conversion.

Mark Woodrow slotted his second penalty for Bees but it was cancelled out by Leek’s effort on 26 minutes after Spee had been sin-binned for a high tackle.

The home side’s Chris Bishay off-loaded superbly for Alex Page to cross. Leek’s conversion left the visitors trailing by 14 points but a revival was sparked by Spee’s first try and a penalty by Woodrow two minutes into the second half.

Bees were in control and tries by Simon Hunt and skipper Rob Connolly put them eight points in front. Leek’s penalty gave the hosts hope but Spee skipped away for a try with five minutes remaining. Bees hooker Ben Phillips was sin-binned and Blackheath’s James Honeyben got a consolation score

Blackheath: Bishay; Page, Barratt, Hamilton, Smith; Leek, Honeyben; Legg, Wordley, Brett, Bason, Vanner, Lindsay, Allen, Matthews. Replacements: Aseme, Lyons, Jones, Vaughan, Olima.
Bees: Spee; Hunt, Young, Mitchell, Culpin; Woodrow, Petty; Long, Phillips, Voisey, Orgee, Pammenter, Connolly, Earnshaw, Jenner. Replacements: Davies, Collett, Clayton, Brown, Halavatau.
Referee: Richard Draper.

Blackheath 28 Birmingham & Solihull Bees 35

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 27/10/2008 11:34

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
27/10/2008 11:34

Blackheath 28 Birmingham & Solihull Bees 35

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net