Bulldogs show much more bite (Birmingham Bulldogs 10 - Nottingham Outlaws 30)
Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League came off the back of a 60-4 defeat at Coventry to face the reigning Divisional Champions in Nottingham Outlaws who themselves beat Coventry 3 times last season. On paper, another thrashing; on grass, nothing of the kind as a strengthened Brum side tackled like demons from the off, took an early lead and, despite being reeled in made the visitors work hard for their win.
Brum defended tenaciously for the opening dozen minutes then grabbed a score as Midgeley squeezed the ball out in a tackle and left wing Jim Llewellyn scooped up the ball to score in the corner.
Both sides tackled each other ferociously for the next tem minutes, but a scrum following a Bulldogs knock-on saw Outlaws loose forward Rob Brown break through from the scrum base and go straight to the posts, adding the goal himself. A penalty concession by Brum then saw Notts take play up field where scrum half Paul Calland sidestepped through for a try, converting himself. Birmingham were now under some pressure, though they had chances which saw crucial passes go to ground. Another penalty set up Outlaws for a try by second row Adam Millward which Calland improved
HT: Birmingham Bulldogs 4 pts Nottingham Outlaws 18
Brum needed the first score of the second half and got it in some style: a “power play” after the fifth tackle begun less than 20 metres out saw L.Jones [M.Jones � no rel. � also in side] break down the right and kick ahead; the Notts full back failed to gather and home left centre Jon Parker [R.Parker � no rel. � also in side] swooped on the ball and ran to the posts giving scrum half Gareth “Babs” Harcombe a simple kick.
Game on, and another slip pass on a Brum attack just went to ground. Then perhaps the crucial score as the visitors� sub hooker Duncan Henderson went over from acting back, Brown goaling. As both sides tired in the sticky heat and rain began to fall, Notts second rower George Strachan, an influential presence throughout, sealed the win by following up a grubber to touch down, Brown�s conversion ending the scoring.
For Bulldogs It was a massive improvement on the previous week�s showing. Kyle again took man of the match honours for Birmingham, but debutants Holloway and Abel were well in contention.