Nuns go four clear despite yellow fever
NUNEATON shrugged off a short spell with 13 men to see off title rivals Sheffield 21-11 and open up a fourpoint cushion at the National Three Midlands summit.
The top two went into the clash level on points and Nuns edged ahead in a match that grew in excitement with every passing minute.
Rory Vowles kicked a pair of penalties either side of Andy Hodgson’s kick to put the hosts 6-3 up at the interval.
Matters took a turn for the worse for Nuneaton when Rob Cook and Dave Melville were yellowcarded within a minute of each other at the start of the second half.
Hodgson quickly levelled matters with another kick but despite their numerical disadvantage, Nick Smith landed the opening try for the Nuns.
Back came the visitors through Rupert Broadley but having been restored to a full 15, Nuneaton seized control.
Umran Jadwat’s try just past the hour was converted by Vowles and the gap was extended within three minutes by another successful penalty. Sheffield pressed to at least gain a bonus point but the Nuns stood firm.
Three penalties, a conversion and a last-minute drop goal from Sam Hollingsworth ensured third-placed Broadstreet made it seven matches unbeaten with a 19-15 win at Bridgnorth.
The hosts led 10-3 at halftime but Josh Grimes crossed the whitewash to turn the tide. Relegationhaunted Bridgnorth scented an upset when they scored with four minutes left before Hollingsworth relieved the pressure at the death. Birmingham & Solihull Bees ran riot in a 32-14 success over Derby. Ashley Scriven, Michael Stephens, Tawanda Chipadza and Jevon Hinds secured the bonus point in spite of a yellow card in the second half for Chris Goddard. Jack Jolly kicked two penalties and three conversions.
Towcestrians had to settle for a try-bonus point in a 33-24 at loss to in-form Peterborough. And Syston ended their seven-match losing streak with a 32-31 win over Longton, Lichfield grabbed a vital 31-27 win in their basement battle at Bedford Athletic and Old Halesonians won 33-22 at Sandbach.