Spink’s four tries leave Newbold reeling

Midlands Premier

FOUR tries from Matt Spink helped Birmingham and Solihull to an eighth consecutive win as they beat Newbold on Avon 55-7. Spink’s first-half double, either side of JT Nabetelevu’s double, had the Bees’ bonus point in the bag by half-time, Newbold claiming their only score of the game to go in 26-7 down.

Birmingham were relentless after the break, adding a further five tries, Steve Johns crossing, before Spink completed his hat-trick, with Tawanda Chipadza’s double capping proceedings. Peterborough Lions remain hot on their heels as they bounced back from a first defeat of the season to comprehensively win at home to Nuneaton 41-18, ending the Nuns fourgame winning run.

Newport Salop lost ground on the top two as they let slip a 21-3 half-time lead, with Sandbach scoring a late try to round off their comeback in a 26-21 victory.

Three converted tries appeared to have Newport in control, but Joe Jepps’ try got Sandbach back in the game, and three further penalties saw them pull within two points.

With only five minutes to go, Elliott Morris crossed to put Sandbach ahead and, despite heavy late pressure, they held on to go fourth and inflict only a second defeat on Newport. Derby and Doncaster Phoenix shared 12 tries and more than 90 points, but it was visitors Doncaster who came away with a thrilling 46-38 win.

After Derby surged into an early 19-7 lead, Phoenix hit back to draw level by half-time.

The sides continued to trade scores, two tries apiece, with a conversion edging Doncaster ahead 3331.

A penalty stretched their advantage to five and, although a converted try saw Derby briefly lead once more, a further penalty, followed by a late try, capped the Phoenix victory.

Scunthorpe piled further misery on basement side Old Halesonians with a comprehensive 60-5 home victory, leaving their visitors still searching for a first win of the campaign.

The day’s remaining action saw two comfortable home wins, Bournville beating Longton 42-14, while Bridgnorth were 31-12 winners against Lichfield.