Team Bath hold high flyers

Team Bath Buccaneers secured an important point after a scintillating 2-2 draw with high flying Birmingham University in front of a big crowd at the STV. Buccs started the game knowing the opposition had scored 17 goals in two games and it was not surprising to see them start confidently, winning a short corner early on and forcing a few goalmouth scrabbles. However Buccs, who are now growing in confidence after three wins in three league games, forced a number of errors and counterattacked effectively through Stu Rushmere and the speedy Ben Stone. However, just before the break Buccs conceded a short corner and Daniel Jowett, brother of Buccs midfielder Lewis, grabbed a deflection with a well worked move to take the lead for Birmingham. The second half was end-to-end hockey with both defences holding their own against creative and attacking play. However, just when Birmingham looked to be getting a hold in the game Stone converted from close range to get Buccs back into the contest. Alex Renwick and Tim Nurse connected well in midfield and Stone put his chance away with a delicate touch on the far post. The game again came to light and after some forays into the Buccs defence, Birmingham took the lead again through Jowett from a break down at the short. From this, Jowett Sr galvanised the Buccs side with a creative pass from the top of the D which Scott Rawling converted after moving around the beached Birmingham goalkeeper. After Birmingham were reduced to ten men for the final minutes, Buccs launched attack after attack but the league leaders defended well and held on for the draw.