Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League FC gained due revenge for a disappointing defeat against Derby City earlier in the season. They were simply overwhelming in the first half, but then lost their grip in the third quarter of the game before finally reasserting themselves. It was certainly Brum’s best result of the season to date.In a light but steady drizzle, Brum began purposefully with forwards Midgely, Parker and Cadman punching holes in the home defence. Gaining ground from a penalty, five straight drives were followed by a “power play” which saw the ball moved right to left where winger Dan Simpson crossed to open Birmingham’s account, scrum half Chris Gilmartin added a good goal. Bulldogs continued to press, and a neat break by Luke Jones [M.Jones (see below) – no rel. – also in side] saw him feed stand off Mark Abel who cut in for a try that gave Gilmartin a simple conversion.
Bulldogs were now firing on all cylinders: a great run by Woodward set up a position from which second rower Chris “Barney” Balmforth stormed through for a try. Then a fine break by Walker saw him supply skipper and left centre Mike Jones – though the pass looked a shade forward – who crossed,and scoring for the half was completed by the rampaging Balmforth who did well to stretch out in the tackle to touch down for his second try which Gilmartin goaled.
HT: Derby City 0 pts Birmingham Bulldogs 26
It had been pretty much one-way traffic in the first half, but that was about to change: aided by Brum’s conceding of penalties, City went deep into the visitors’ half where a strong run from second rower Dave Bussell saw him touch down to the right of the posts. The next half hour saw the game swing very much Derby’s way as good handling put full back Darren Hersey in at the corner and then right centre Chris Buckley cut through to score under the posts, scrum half – and Bulldogs’ “old boy” – Paul Worthington goaling to take the score to 14-26.Memories of the earlier match with Derby, when a 16-point lead was lost, resurfaced. Birmingham needed to get the wheels back on the cart, and went back to plan A: five strong drives ended with scum half Gilmartin joining the try scorers as he pounced on his own short “grubber” kick for a try. This restored much of Brum’s composure and a great run from sub full back Ranger down the left flank set up an attack which ended with debutant sub prop Simon Homer finding space on the left to touch down, Gilmartin adding a good conversion.
These two scores effectively settled any doubts about the outcome, though Derby had the last word score wise with a try from wing Lewis Thompson.Setting aside the third quarter “walkabout”, this was undoubtedly Bulldog’s most compelling show this season. Balmforth was Brum’s man-of-the-match, with Cadman and Midgely also strong contenders.The first XIII have a “bye” next week before a visit to Bedford the week after. They will need to keep this side together and produce the best from this week there. Summary: Derby City 18 Birmingham Bulldogs 36T Bussell, Hersey, Buckley, Thompson T. Simpson, Abel, Balmforth 2, M.Jones Gilmartin,Homer
G. Worthington G. Gilmartin 4
Bulldogs second XIII recorded a 36-16 win over a game and determined Crewe & Nantwich Steamers XIII. Tries came from Gilmartin, Jones, Platts, Bancroft, Hendricks, Honey & Metcalfe; Woodcock converted 4 of the tries.
