Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League Under 14’s recorded their second win of the season over Coventry Bears but, this time round, they had to work a lot harder against a competitive visiting site.

An early try for the hosts straight from a scrum by Lewis Beatty was countered by one from Bears’ powerful Kevin McKenna.

But Brum really began to hit their stride:  tries from Jordan Prowse, Ed Phillips and Bruno Umkalns, the last two well goaled by Beatty, took them to a 20-4 lead. Then after withstanding a series of Coventry attacks, Bulldogs struck again as Chris Fensome went over for a fine individual score.

Cov, however, came back well and Calum Barnetson forced his way over for a try which McKenna goaled to round off the half.

 HT: Birmingham Bulldogs U14 24 pts Coventry Bears U14  10

Back to business for Bulldogs after the break as Tom Hodgetts rounded off some good handling to touch down. But Bears were gaining in confidence and , as Birmingham conceded rather too many penalties, Cov’s Brian Putman cut the arrears with a try well goaled by McKenna

Nip and tuck: a second try for Brum’s Fensome was countered by a second for McKenna after some good handling. But Birmingham, with a slightly larger squad, were lasting the pace better and second tries for Beatty and Prowse , the latter goaled by Fensome gave them a comfortable margin at  the end, though Coventry battled all the way.