Exiles’ Winning Run Ends
Birmingham Exiles 1st XV 6 - 13 Greyhound
Birmingham Exiles RUFC could not make it four league wins on the trot against second placed Greyhound. The Hereford side came with a 100% league record and an average match score of close to 35 points. They left with their record intact, but E’s made them work mighty hard to keep it.
Greyhound were generally on the front foot in he opening fifteen minutes: an attack down the left failed with a knock on, but the visitors took a lead that they kept thereafter when stand off David Bromage kicked a penalty goal.
Going for an interception, Exiles were unlucky to be penalised for a deliberate knock-on; Greyhound once again mounted a raid down the left and winger Tom Spellane was on the end of the final pass to cross for a try in the corner.
The opposing packs looked physically well matched, and Exiles forwards took it to the opposing eight as they forced the home side back into contention. Then a pivotal moment: running a “free ball” from the right flank, the E’s switched the attack leftwards where E’s number eight Pattison looked to have just got the ball down before being forced into touch. The referee initially signalled for a try but cancelled the award after consulting the touch judge. As it was, E’s had a measure of consolation with a penalty in front of the posts, stand off Dan Johnstone kicking the goal to cut the gap to five points. Shortly before half time this was cut to two as Johnstone kicked a second penalty goal.
HT: Birmingham Exiles 6 Pts, Greyhound 8
Greyhound went on the offensive early in the second half and, after Bromage was off target with a penalty goal attempt, Exiles were forced to defend their line desperately; this they did, gaining a relieving penalty. With conditions underfoot muddy, both sides opted to gain ground by kicking. However, a break by Drinkwater, who had earlier spiked a Greyhound attack with a terrific tackle, just failed to yield a score as his pass was knocked on.
Greyhound regathered themselves and, with about eight minutes left, outside centre Elliott Phillips found a gap on the left to cross for a try. E’s did all they could to get back on terms in the time remaining but to no avail. With a 2-0 try count in their favour, Greyhound just about deserved their win, though no one could really have complained if the match had been drawn. For Exiles, the seven point losing margin gave them a league bonus point.
A note of praise for scrum half Steve “Wiggy” Barbor: with two specialist scrum halves unavailable, E’s called the 40-something scrum half out of retirement and he played like he had never been away.
Next Saturday [March 16] Exiles stage their annual memorial match at home to Harborne.
Report by John Simkin
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