By Roger Clarke - Birmingham Mail
February 7 2006

Pertemps Bees' walking wounded seem to have picked up speed to a steady trot and are looking likely to be fit for next weekend's National One clash at local rivals Coventry.

A week off for the start of the Six Nations has given time for recovery with the most remarkable bout of healing being by second row Alex Davidson, who came off with a dislocated shoulder in the 12-6 win over Sedgley Park.

Director of rugby Phil Maynard said that centre Adam Billig, who had a chipped shinbone, will also be fit.

Scrum-half Ben Harvey, who came off the bench and ended up with a broken nose, is also expected to be fit.

Maynard said: "It looks like everyone will be fit so we will be at full strength which we need to be to go to Coventry."

Coventry will be looking for revenge after Bees scored four tries for a maximum points haul in the final 22 minutes of a 29-7 win at Sharmans Cross Road in October.

But Bees go into the match still warmed by the glow of their first back-to-back victories in more than a year and the work ethic promoted by Maynard appears, at last, to be paying off and three on the bounce should see some clear water appearing between Bees and the National One depths.

Coventry sit five places and 10 points higher than Bees but Maynard said: "The form book goes out of the window and it is all bets off at the start of the game.

"It is a very big game. It is not only a local derby but with the position in the league it could determine where we finish up. We both need the points desperately."

With a free weekend Maynard said his players had trained as normal to prepare for the match.

"We lightened the training up a little bit and we will be gearing it up tonight, tightening up on the skills and phase building.

"When you are playing against Coventry there is never any shortage of drama and the blood will be up for both sides.

"Mistakes will be made and the key to it is if you make fewer mistakes you will win the game."

Bees meanwhile have released Tonga international flanker Rodney Mahe who is now expected to join South West One club Chinnor.