Bees buzzing to maintain perfect record

Midlands Premier

LICHFIELD came within ten minutes of ending Birmingham and Solihull Bees’ 100 per cent record, but Matt Spink’s try ensured a 16th straight win for the leaders, fighting back from 14-5 down to win 20-17.

Bees drew first blood through Jimmy Oliver’s score but Lichfield were soon ahead when Charlie Milner’s try was converted, before Greg Massey added their second, also converted.

Birmingham reduced the deficit to 14-10 with their second try and soon after the interval Umraan Jadwatt edged them ahead.

Massey’s penalty put Lichfield back in front, but almost instantly Bees had their bonus point as Spink crossed. Though they couldn’t add the extras, they held on to retain hopes of a perfect campaign.

The win also ensured they remained top as second-placed Peterborough Lions beat struggling Newbold on Avon 21-5 to sit three points behind. However, they have played three more games.

Two first-half tries put them in control at 14-0 in front, adding a third after the break. They were always in control, despite Newbold pulling a try back.

In the battle for a play-off place, Newport Salop and

Doncaster Phoenix both ensured they remain on Peterborough’s tail with bonus-point wins that leave them 11 and 14 points behind, with both having two games in hand.

Newport put on a half century to cruise to a 53-0 win against Old Halesonians, while Doncaster had an entertaining game with

Bournville and came out comfortable 52-26 winners.

Bournville remain outside the relegation zone, with a five-point cushion to

Longton, who were well beaten, 44-5, at home to

Sandbach, with Newbold a further seven points adrift.

Bridgnorth produced a dominant away performance to claim victory in the mid-table battle at Derby, coming out on top 33-7.

Four tries in the opening 24 minutes saw Bridgnorth’s bonus point in the bag and, although Derby pulled a try back after the break, they never threatened a comeback as Bridgnorth’s fifth sealed victory.

The day’s remaining game between Nuneaton and Scunthorpe was postponed on Friday afternoon due to a waterlogged pitch at Liberty Way.