Extravaganza Rounds Off Season in Style
Date: Sunday May 3 2009President�s Day Festival
Birmingham Exiles 43 pts, President�s XV 48
Birmingham Exiles RUFC �s eventful season came to a rousing finale at Bickenhill as the home side were pipped at the post by strong President's XV in a 15-try thriller which saw the lead change hand seven times.
Two early attacks by E�s failed via knock-ons. But after twelve scoreless minutes (the longest such spell in the match) Exiles took the lead as, following a penetrating run by Forester, blind side flanker Hayden Patterson went over in the left corner.
Within two minutes the lead changed: President�s scrum half Liam Morrissey intercepted some 30 metres out and ran to the posts adding the goal himself. President�s dominated for the next ten minutes and extended their lead when, from a tap, penalty move, second rower Michael Loughrey broke through the centre to cross between the posts, Morrissey converting.
E�s counterattacked and second row Nick Walters crashed through for a try which full back Scott Forester goaled, Back came President�s, as skipper, open side flanker [and former Birmingham Bulldogs rugby league man] Dave Abbott kicked ahead and regathered to touch down.
Last word of the half went to Exiles, as right winger Matt Austin found space on his flank to go over for a try which full back Scott Forester goaled to level the scores at the break HT: Birmingham Exiles 19 Pts, President�s XV 19
President�s Scott Leach, a formidable presence at stand off, regained the lead for his side with a try just after the restart. Exiles� response was prompt, Austin�s second try, improved by Forester edging them ahead again.
Once again President�s turned on the pressure, with a try from left winger Stu Rogers and a second for Abbott (goal Morrissey) taking them ten points clear.
E�s came again, a typical storming break from number eight Gareth �Chunk� Holloway took him over, Forester converting. Then a flying run up the left touchline from winger Daryl Hetherington produced a try in the corner and put the hosts 38-36 again. Nip and tuck as President�s full back Jim Llewellyn [another Birmingham Bulldogs rugby leaguer] burst into the line to cross for a try to make it 38-41. Then a high chip, chase and regather from Forester took him over for a try that put the hosts ahead again.
43-41 to Exiles and the last play of the day: For the one and only time in the match, the strike at a scrum went against the head; the ball went to stand 0ff Leach who just went for broke and crossed for the decisive score, Morrissey�s conversion topping off a breathtaking game. Leach, for President�s, and Holloway for E�s took the man-of-the-match awards.
Solihull Lads impress in �curtain raiser�
Solihull Colts won an entertaining �curtain raiser� to the main event by 33-12 against an Exiles third XV. They commanded most of the first half with tries from Adam Pinfield, Will Leckie and a brace from Fran Pugh who converted all four touchdowns. E�s kept plugging away and were rewarded by tries either side of half time from Steve Barrett, converted by Andy Vasey, and Sean Williams. In a much more closely contested second half, the final score was a second try for LeckieChampion Show! Exiles Storm to the Title
Date: Saturday April 11, 2009Competition: League: Midlands west 6 (SW)
Clee Hill 0 Pts, Birmingham Exiles 38
Birmingham Exiles RUFC capped a memorable season by taking the first title in the reformed club�s 12-year history. Needing a win to ensure the Midlands Six (South West) championship, E�s took a full-strength squad to Clee Hill, the only side to beat them at home in the league, and turned in a magnificent performance to take the crown.
An early attack spearheaded by a break from Holloway looked promising but failed on a knock-on. But, seven minutes in, the visitors began what would be a recurring pattern for the afternoon: the pack won turnover ball at a ruck and the ball was whipped left-to-right down the back line where Forester provided the assist for right winger Matt Austin to cross for a try in the corner.
E�s upped the tempo: a kick and chase by Forester down the left flank ended with him seemingly tackled in goal. The award of a five-metre scrum to Exiles was puzzling, but they didn�t stop to argue. Once again the ball was worked down the three-quarter line where outside centre Jay Drinkwater crossed to touch down. Full back Scott Forester added the conversion.
It was all going pretty much to plan for Exiles. Austin thought he was through for his second try, but was called back for a forward pass. However, a typical darting run up the left touchline by Forester saw him turn the ball inside to Drinkwater who went over for his second try which Forester goaled.
A rare trip to the line for Clee threatened the Exiles line; E�s turned them over at a ruck, but Forester had to touch down in-goal to prevent a score following an eccentric pass behind the line.
Then it was back to business for E�s. From a scrum some ten metres out, another fluent piece of left-right handling saw Austin step round two defenders for his second try in the right corner, which was well converted by Forester. HT: Clee 0 pts Birmingham Exiles 26
The Clee pack had been solid and had more than held its own in the set scrums, and the home eight led a spirited counter at the start of the second half. The attack foundered as E�s second row Nick Walters put in a pulverising man-and-ball tackle.
Exiles were taking a bit of time to recover their rhythm; a penalty attempt by Forester hit a post. But, came the hour came the man, as Drinkwater rounded off yet another back line move from a scrum, cutting through a beleaguered home defence for to complete his hat-trick.
Finally, Drinkwater turned provider as he supplied the assist for Austin to complete his hat trick, the winger cutting in to touch down close to the posts. Last league points of the season came, not inappropriately, form Forester who converted the try.
At the final whistle, the suitably jubilant E�s were led by skipper Iuean Cavill through the tunnel of home players who gave them due acknowledgement. Coach Baz Sanderson, for whom this was a reward for three years� hard work, told his team to enjoy their evening. Bet they did!
Next Saturday [April 18] E�s host Bromsgrove 2nds
Patrick Hat-Trick as Exiles Regain Top Spot
Date: Saturday April 4 2009Competition: Midlands West 6 (South West)
Birmingham Exiles 29 pts, Bredon Star 12
Birmingham Exiles RUFC returned to winning ways after their previous week�s disappointments against Warley. The win against a competitive but rather uneven Bredon Star side returned them to top spot in the league table, three points ahead of Warley who still have two league matches left; E�s have just one game left, at Clee Hill next Saturday [11th April]
Exiles took some minutes get any real purchase on the game, but then a break from Holloway led the visitors to infringe at a ruck and full back Scott Forester opened the home side�s account with a penalty goal.
This spurred E�s, and from a quickly-taken tap penalty by Root, the ball was moved fluently to the left where winger Tom Patrick crossed for a try in the corner, excellently converted from wide out by Forester.
Bredon made strenuous efforts to get back into contention: a penalty attempt from Siggins struck a post, and then their forwards drove a maul over the Exiles� line only to knock the ball on at the very last.
E�s response was more productive: fielding a long clearance kick well in his own half, Forester set off on a scything run through the Bredon defence that covered some sixty-odd metres, finally supplying an assist to Patrick for the winger�s second score. Forester converted the try for a comfortable-looking 17-0 lead.
Bredon, though, still had plenty to offer, and gained a timely score just before the break: awarded a penalty, they took the ball into a ruck from which it was recycled to the left where inside centre Mike Hickey found space to touch down. HT: Birmingham Exiles 17Pts, Bredon Star 5
The first try of the second half was going to be significant, and it was Exiles who claimed it. A loose clearance kick was snapped up by Drinkwater who ran powerfully up the left flank before passing inside to the alertly supporting Patrick, the winger touching down to record a �three on the bounce� hat trick of tries.
Now would Bredon buckle? Definitely not. They went down the slope to the home line where rather too desperate defence saw E's concede a series of penalties. From the last these, a forward drive saw strong-running number eight Ben Taylor, the pick of the visitors pack, stretch out to touch down; stand off Tom Siggins added the extras and the hosts� lead narrowed to ten points.
The game was now at its most competitive, and some twenty scoreless minutes followed the Bredon try. The �gamebreaker� score came after Exiles pack once again won turnover ball at a ruck and moved the ball to the right where right winger Matt Austin ran strongly to touch down in the corner. Forester�s well-struck touchline conversion completed the scoring and the match.
In a hard-earned win for E�s, Davies, Avery and Elliott Johnstone all made notable contributions.
So, this most closely fought of contests is going right to the wire. Exiles must win at Clee Hill � the only side to defeat them at home in the league this season � to clinch the title. Steady nerves will be needed!
Exiles Second XV won an entertaining game 49-22 against Civil Service
Exiles Enjoy Themselves
Date: Saturday March 21 2009Birmingham Exiles XV 53 pts, Redditch XV 0
Birmingham Exiles� original fixture against Griffinians failed to materialise but Redditch stepped in to fill the breach. E�s side was mainly second teamers, Redditch�s a mixture of seconds and thirds. From fairly early on E�s had the measure of the visitors and produced some quality, running rugby.
Playing up the slope in the first half, the home side came under some early pressure. However, they broke clear and a fine break by Sweeney l saw him pass inside to scrum half ANDY Vasey who ran to the posts to open the scoring. Then a storming break by number eight Holloway took him over. Next a great break up the left (again) from Hetherington was followed up by Sweeney who supplied his second assist to full back Steve Askins who crossed between the sticks. Stand off Peter Davies improved all three scores.
Yet another attack up the left flank saw left winger Darryl Hetherington cross in the corner, and a break from Drinkwater led to a second try for Holloway/ HT: Birmingham Exiles 31 pts, Redditch 0
Redditch started the second half with some purpose, but a knock on was seized upon by Exiles, open side flanker Toby Taylor running strongly from some 40 metres out to go over.
Exiles then had to survive a period of intense pressure at their own line where Redditch did everything but score. But they broke out of defence and Taylor cut through again, this time from some 70 metres out and went to the line for his second touchdown.
Good handling by the three quarters saw Askins cone into the line to find the narrowest of gaps and just outpace the visitors� defence for his second try. Finally, yet another pounding run from Holloway saw him claim his hat-trick score, which was goaled by inside centre Tom Patrick.
It was a fluent and entertaining show from Exiles; next week it�s back to league action with a tough-looking away fixture against Warley. [ko. 3:00]
Eight Strike Nine � but Only Just
Date: Saturday March 14 2009Competition: Midlands West 6 (South West)
Birmingham Exiles 16 pts, Birmingham Civil Service 13
Birmingham Exiles RUFC stay top of Midlands South West Six after hanging on for dear life to chalk up their ninth straight win against their next door neighbours Birmingham Civil Service. The visiting forwards established an early ascendancy in the set scrums that threatened to overwhelm E�s. But the possession that the visitors had was not translated into points on the board.
Scrums apart, the opening ten minutes were fairly even. Then, a splendid break from home number eight Holloway set up a position in the right corner from which hooker Kieran Walter sold a dummy and went over in the right corner.
Service countered at once with an attack up the right flank, but the final pass went into touch. Exiles� reply was more productive; from the base of a (reversing) scrum the ball was moved right where Forester came into the line and spun out a pass to right winger Matt Austin; Austin ran strongly, beating two defenders en route to the corner where he touched down.
The 10-0 score to E�s hardly did justice to Civil Service and their pack now put Exiles under the cosh. A driving maul was just kept out, but the home side were conceding penalties, and Service were turning the screw by repeatedly opting for scrums. Eventually, pressure told: a blindside break from a five-metre scrum saw right winger Ryan Burke take a short pass and cross in the corner.
Exiles went down the slope, a break by Johnstone was halted for a knock-on, but penalty advantage had been indicated and full back Scott Forester kicked the points to give E�s some breathing space. . HT: Birmingham Exiles 13 Pts, Birmingham Civil Service 5
With the slope in their favour in the second half, the Civil Service pack proceeded to dictate matters, full back Liam Clarke cutting the deficit with a penalty.
Then, at a scrum on their own five-metre line, Exiles pack was driven remorselessly backwards and the visitor�s number eight John Ward dived on the ball to claim the try and level it at 13-apiece.
E�s mounted a counterattack and an offence at a ruck enabled Forester to slot his second penalty and edge his side ahead once more.
It was anybody�s game, and the near-relentless dominance of the Service forwards at the set scrums looked the better bet to determine the otcome. But Exiles chased, harried and contested everything, back rowers Patterson and Holloway breaking out when E�s were under heavy pressure. Fellow back rower Taylor also put in a crucial tackle on the visitors right-winger. A break by Johnstone up the left flank ended with a penalty concession; then a terrific run up the left touchline by Avery saw his pass just go to ground.
Back came Civil Service as the seconds ticked away. E�s had the put in on a scrum on their own five-metre line; predictably it was shunted backwards but. Somehow, the hosts kept possession and held on to complete what was easily the most gruelling victory of the run. They leapt in the air at the final whistle, but there was as much relief as exultation in their celebrations. Civil Service were gracious in defeat and, in truth, deserved a share of the points.
Next week E�s host Old Griffinians in a non-league fixture [Note to press recipients. if at all possible, please could you print the contact details below. Thanks. JS]
Birmingham Exiles RFC always welcome new players: contact Andy Root on 07779 054770 or Martin Whateley on 0121-378 3446.
E�s Vets win Annual Memorial Game
Saturday March 14 2009Birmingham Exiles Vets 19 pts, Aston Old Eds 3rds 13
The annual game between Birmingham Exiles Vets and Aston Old Edwardians in memory of former Exiles players Tony �Captain Black� Llewellyn and Paul �Smudger� Smith was held on Saturday March 14 at Bickenhill. The home side record their first victory in the fixture by 19 points to thirteen.
A notable presence in the starting line up for E�s was Ian Forester, father of Exiles first team full back Scot Making his first ever visit to the UK, Ian had landed at Heathrow at 5:45 that morning.
Ed�s opened the scoring when Sam Flatley slotted a neat droop goal. But tries from Wayne �Monty� Burns, which he converted, and Luke Jennings gave E�s a 12-3 lead at the break.
Burns added a further try and conversion after the break to take the hosts clear but Aston had the best of the last quarter, posting two well worked tries.
Eight Straight as E�s Power On
Date: Saturday March 7 2009Competition: Midlands West 6 (South West)
Birmingham Exiles 39 pts, Chaddesley Corbett 0
Birmingham Exiles RUFC moved one point clear [of Claverdon] at the top of Midlands South West Six with a comprehensive six tries to nil victory over their nearest rivals (at the start of play) Chaddesley Corbett. The Worcestershire side had drawn 13-all with E�s earlier in the campaign, and a close encounter might well have been expected. Exiles, though, were in inspired form in recording their eighth consecutive league victory.
Playing down the slope, E�s mounted a promising opening attack but were then penalised. But they continued to press and, six minutes in, opened their account when full back Scott Forester kicked a penalty goal. And the full back had a decisive hand in the hosts� opening try as a long, diagonal, high kick was sent towards the right corner; Chaddesley�s full back just failed to hold the ball and right winger Matt Austin grabbed it, crossed and cut in to the posts to touch down, leaving Forester with a fairly straightforward conversion.
Chaddesley countered, but the ball went loose and was hacked clear to relieve the pressure. The visitors� hooker then had to leave the field though injury, and they had a torrid time at the scrums thereafter.
The home side went further ahead when Forester put in a neat chip-and-chase which the Chaddesley defence failed to gather; Forester hacked on a won the race to touch down in goal.
E�s were at full throttle: a break from Elliott Johnstone [Dan Johnstone [bro.] in side] just failed to yield a score. Then, in the most fluid move of the match, the ball was whipped down the back line to the right for Austin to post his second try in the corner. The final score of the half came as the Chaddesley pack were shunted back at a scrum, the ball squirted out, and open side flanker Ryan Russell picked up and crossed for a try which Forester improved. . HT: Birmingham Exiles 27 Pts, Chaddesley Corbett 0
With the slope in their favour in the second half, Chaddesley took play into the home half, but Exiles defence met all that was asked of them; a 40-metre, unsuccessful drop goal attempt by the visitors was evidence of their frustration.
Nonetheless the third quarter was the most even of the match. Elliott Johnstone made another good break but his kick was charged down.
A little after the hour mark, Root made a darting break from the base of a scrum, drew the visiting full back and then supplied the assist for his stand off partner Dan Johnstone to cross for a try wide on the right.
For several minutes thereafter, Exiles pounded the visitors� line, Chaddesley defended gamely but looked about all-in when substitute open-side flanker Hayden Patterson ran on to Root�s pass from a quick tap penalty and strode between the post to give Forester a straight-on conversion which rounded off the scoring and sealed and emphatic and memorable win.
In what must count as E�s best of the season so far, the work in the forwards of Avery and Taylor were highlights in an excellent pack performance.
Next week, Exiles host their nearest neighbours, Birmingham Civil Service, who would certainly like to knock E�s off their perch. [ko 2:15 pm]
Exiles Silence Claverdon Crowd
Date: Saturday February 28 2009Competition: Midlands West 6 (South West)
Claverdon 3, Birmingham Exiles 14
Birmingham Exiles continued their unbeaten run away against a Claverdon side who fancied themselves in this top of the table clash. After an eventful week for the Exiles, it was important to focus and win no matter what! A fast and furious first half saw a hard hitting and physical battle as both sides tried to put their mark on the game. Neither side looked like touching down in the first half, but E�s did manage to capitalize on infringements made by Claverdon and kicked their way upfield to gain important territory. An early penalty was kicked over by Forester to give E�s a 3-0 lead after 10 minutes. Hard running by Taylor, Pattison and Austen enabled Exiles to dominate territory forcing the home side into errors which were again punished by Forester�s colourful boots. Claverdon replied with a penalty of their own later on in the half. Exiles went in at half time 9-3 up. Finally, E�s began to put a structure to their game even if it was for only a short period of time. An exciting charge by replacement Holloway enabled Exiles to create an attack in front of the posts. Quick hands and support allowed hooker Walter to find the veteran Askins who dazzled the defence with a quick and effective switch of play. Askins found Austen with a floated pass out wide, allowing space for the winger to step in and dive for the line. A deserving try, purely for the brilliance of Askins!! An onslaught by Claverdon was inevitable, and Exiles did themselves no favours by giving away penalties which allowed Claverdon back into the game. Opportunities were building for Claverdon who continued to run hard at the Exiles defence getting closer to the try line in the process. Not for the first time this season, a giant rock stood firm and would not allow Claverdon past, the pressure of the Exiles defence forced a turnover allowing the away side to clear the ball downfield. They do say that defence wins matches, this game was a fine example! Exiles held out to win 14-3 and stunned the giant home support in the process. Next week sees another bruising clash at the top of the league when Exiles take on Chaddesely Corbett at Bickenhill 2.15pm kick off.Tenacious Exiles Make it Six in a Row
Date: Saturday February 14 2009Competition: Midlands West 6 (South West)
Birmingham Exiles 17 pts, Tenbury 3
Birmingham Exiles RUFC overcame a wobbly start against fellow promotion contenders Tenbury to record a sixth consecutive league victory; the win puts them in second place in the table, purely on points difference behind Chaddesley Corbett. It also went a long way to erasing memories of a chastening 38-0 defeat at Tenbury earlier in the season.
The visitors started with gusto and E�s were stretched in defence; Tenbury�s stand off Rogers only just failed to reach a kick ahead in the in-goal area.
Exiles regathered themselves and launched an attack down the right, but it failed on an accidental offside. But E�s had accurately assessed the Tenbury left flank as their most favourable attacking option: from a lineout on the left, the ball was worked right down the back line, Burns�s assist putting over right winger Paul Wagstaff in the corner.
The hosts now took control: play for the next ten minutes was confined to the visitors half. Going down the right again, Davies put a well judged kick into open space; full back Askins gathered and recycled and number eight Toby Taylor, in rampaging form, charged onto a short pass to crash over the line and double the score. Soon after, Wagstaff, revelling in his clear advantage in pace over his opposite number, made another strong break down the line, but was well tackled by Woozcroft.
Tenbury still had plenty of fight at this stage, and a period of pressure saw Exiles held in their �22�; but, crucially, no points were conceded. . HT: Birmingham Exiles 10 Pts, Tenbury 0
With the slope in their favour in the second half, Tenbury must have fancied their chances of reeling in E�s lead.
But they were undone by their own hand: a slightly too casual pass some 30 metres out was intercepted by outside centre Wayne Burns who raced unopposed to go between the posts for a try which gave stand off Peter Davies a straightforward conversion.
Still the visitors refused to admit defeat; they took pay to the home line, but determined tackling kept them out. However, Tenbury gained a kickable penalty which left wing Dave Edwards put over to cut the gap to 14 points. Exiles responded by launching their best attacking spell of the half, Ahmed and Avery being held inches short as the forwards drove at the line. Tenbury countered, but a loose ball was excellently retrieved at a ruck by Avery.
Play was then held up for some minutes by an injury to the visitors� Edwards. Tenbury may have felt it was just not their day, and Exiles held out for a win which, all things considered � they were without four first choice backs � compared well to any that they have had this season
Next week, Exiles visit Clee Hill in a league fixture [ko 2:15 pm]
Nap Hand! Fifth Straight Win Keeps Exiles in Hunt
Date: Saturday January 31 2009Competition: League: Midlands west 6 (SW)
Highley 0 Pts, Birmingham Exiles 20
Birmingham Exiles travelled to bottom of the table Highley on the back of four consecutive league wins, and duly posted a fifth. But it wasn�t altogether a cruise for E�s: whatever Highley lacked, it wasn�t spirit or determination. But a degree of tactical naivety plus a tendency to concede penalties at the breakdown contrasted with Exiles� nous and back line flair.
Highley conceded two penalties in the opening minutes; the second of these was wide on the right, where full back Scott Forester opened the visitors� account with a well flighted goal.
Most of the play at this stage was in the home half. A scrum in a good attacking position came to nought for E�s when they conceded a free kick for a crooked feed, a rarity these days. But Exiles kept up the pressure, and Forester kicked his second penalty with aplomb.
On their opponents put in, Exiles pack repeatedly wheeled the scrum to regain the feed, something the home eight seemed unable to counter. From one such position, scrum half Andy* Root [NB Chris Root (bro.) also in side] broke on the blind side before sending an assist to right wing Matt Austin who touched down in the corner. Forester added the extras with another well struck kick from the touchline.
Highley forced their way to the visitors� line battered away at E�s defensive line which was up to its task. Relief for Exiles came by way of a penalty. . HT: Highley 0 pts Birmingham Exiles 13
Try scorer Austin had been injured late in the first half and had to come off early in the second. But E�s now had the wind in their sales and went further ahead with a move of almost bewildering complexity: an attack was launched up the left flank before being spun across to the right centre channel where Forester and Davies exchanged passed before the latter fed left wing Tom Patrick whose try close to the posts gave Forester a straightforward goal kick. Soon after a penalty attempt by Forester seemed to catch the (stiff) breeze and drifted wide.
The 20-0 score line in Exiles favour at this point appeared to be enough, and they seemed to ease up a little, with just a touch of hubris creeping into their play. As it was, Highley kept plugging away without any rewards for their efforts. In the closing minutes, E�s forward sub Poles was yellow carded for an offside offence at a ruck but this was far too late to have any effect on the outcome. On the whole it was a balanced and competent show from Exiles: in the pack, number eight Hall worked well with Andy Root at the set scrums and centres Drinkwater and Johnstone were prominent on attack.
This victory lifts Exiles up one place to third in the league table, one point behind new leaders Claverdon, where four points cover the top seven teams. There will be no let up for E�s.
Next Saturday [Feb 7] Exiles visit Claverdon.
Rampant Exiles Topple the Leaders
Date: Saturday January 24 2009Competition: Midlands West 6 (South West)
Birmingham Exiles 39 pts, Bromyard 10
Birmingham Exiles RUFC posted their fourth successive league win and with it their best performance of the season do far as they comprehensively defeated Bromyard, scoring six tries to one in the process. The Herefordshire side had led the league table at the start of play, but found the home side in irresistible form. E�s victory consolidates their fourth position in the division, two points behind new leaders Chaddesley Corbett.
Exiles gave early notice of their intentions, taking the first scrum against the head and six minutes in, a splendid break from Davies created a gap for inside centre Jay Drinkwater to cross for his first league try; full back Scott Forester�s conversion went over �in off� a post.
E�s stepped up the pace, and relentless attacking play which went through some half dozen �phases� culminated with stand off Peter Davies crossing on the right before cutting in for a try close to the posts, giving Forester a simple conversion.
Bromyard made a rare foray into the E�s �22�, but a penalty attempt went wide. Exiles continued to dominate territorially and Forester kicked a penalty goal for a comfortable 17-0 lead
At last the visitors mounted a sustained attack, and crossed the line only to be adjudged �held up�. E�s were then penalised after the restart, and Bromyard full back Roger Dixon, easily the best of the visiting backs, ran onto a short pass to touch down by the posts. Inside centre Ainsley Ralph goaled. . HT: Birmingham Exiles 17 Pts, Bromyard 7
It took just a minute of the second half for Exiles to up their tally, Forester landing a penalty goal. Exiles now reasserted their earlier dominance: a penalty award barely two metres from the Bromyard line saw scrum half Andy �Scooter� Root tap and go over, Forester improving the try.
20 points down, Bromyard hauled themselves back into the match. Ralph kicked a well-struck penalty though, in the circumstances, running it might have been the better option. E�s now came under some pressure as Bromyard strove to cut the gap, but gained a relieving penalty.
The final quarter of the match saw Exiles in command. Held up over the line, they duly won the five-metre scrum and worked the ball quickly to the right where winger Matt Austin crossed wide out. Three minutes later, they produced a near carbon copy, Austin running diagonally to touch down in the corner for his second try. Forester�s excellent touchline conversion rounded off the scoring and completed a rousing victory. If the backs did all the scoring, they owed much to a dominant pack in which Patterson stood out in the loose.
E�s are now one of no less than five of their division�s ten teams contending for top spot and promotion. Next week they visit bottom club Highley, just the sort of potential �banana skin� they need to be on their guard against after today. But, briefly, celebrations are in order.
Exiles Keep the Engine Running
Date: Saturday January 17 2009Birmingham Exiles 22 pts, Spartans (Midlands) 2nds 3
Back in action for the first time this year, Birmingham Exiles RFC made it four wins in a row and kept themselves nicely in tune for their league programme with a crisp and energetic display against a competitive Spartans 2nd XV. Spartans 1st play three divisions higher than E�s, so the visitors were of comparable playing calibre, but they found the home side in fine form,
Playing down the slope, Spartans began briskly but missed an early penalty attempt. Exiles gave a sign of what was to come when a raid up the left flank failed on a misdirected pass.
Spartans had a stiff, chill breeze at their backs, but it proved a disadvantage as a long clearance kick from their own goal-line went �dead� some 110 metres at the other end! From the five metre scum, Exiles recycled once before blind-side flanker Hayden Patterson found a gap on the left to cross for a try.
E�s then came under pressure themselves, but worked their way back up field where a penalty attempt from E.Johnstone went wide [D.Johnstone* (bro.) also in side]
Exiles� Russell then made a brief appearance as a replacement before being sin-binned along with the visitors� Franks following a brief altercation. Spartans got back into E�s half and a penalty from hooker Tony Madonna cut the gap to two points at the break. . HT: Birmingham Exiles 5 Pts, Spartans (Midlands) 2nds 3
Now with the slope and wind in their favour, Exiles needed an early score. A touch finder penalty was sent deep, and from the line out the ball was worked left to right where flanker Gareth �Chunk� Holloway found space to cross for a well-worked score. Then, something of a gift as Spartans central defence mishandled; E�s stand off Dan Johnstone* pounced on the mistake, hacking on the loose ball and winning the race to touch down.
Spartans then put E�s under some pressure, but a fine run down the left touchlines by Burns took the heat off.
Then more good handling from Exiles paid dividends: from a line out on the right, the ball was brought into centre field; D.Johnstone* went through the narrowest of gaps before feeding hooker Kieran Walter who touched down by the posts. Outside centre Elliott Johnstone kicked the conversion to open his account late on.
E.Johnstone it was, too, who finally finished the visitors off: now forced to run from deep, on overly high pass some five metres out was grabbed by Johnstone who went between the sticks for a try which he goaled himself to round matters off
E�s, but they were worthy winners. Aside from their attacking play, they also defended well when they had too. The Spartans� backs, in particular, rarely found any rhythm.
Back to league action this Saturday [Jan 24] as league leaders Bromyard visit Bickenhill. Exiles will need to carry over their form from this match and a bit more besides for this one.
Exiles win Winter Warmer
Saturday December 27 2008Exiles XV 17 - Bloxwich XV 15
An Exiles XV, depleted as a result of the festive period, took on Bloxwich, currently going well in the league above. In a closely fought match, captain Farid Ahmed led his side to a very encouraging victory Exiles started strongly, with their aggressive pack determined not to be bullied by a much bigger Bloxwich eight. Playing down the slope, Exiles took control with several forward phases creating space for the backs. A superb, jinking run from youngster Frances Pugh saw the first try of the game as he burrowed his way to the try line. The forwards were dominating in the breakdown when a kick into space saw Nick Walters and Adam Kesterton put pressure on the opposing full back, resulting in a penalty to the Exiles. Ten metres out, Root took a quick tap, which was fed to hooker Kieran Walter who squeezed over the line. Pugh converted to give E�s a half time lead of 12 - 0. The first 20 minutes of the second half saw a different game as Bloxwich hit hard and caused damage at the breakdown, resulting in two successive tries to get them back in to the game. Exiles did not give in: worthy mentions to Steve Barratt who worked tirelessly in open play and Stuart Mecham with his line running and reactions. With two minutes to go and Exiles trailing by 15 - 12, they were awarded a penalty 20 metres from the Bloxwich line. Root fed the quick tap to Holloway who with a typical barnstorming run was able to offload to Wayne Burns who grounded the ball under a pile of bodies. Considering it was supposed to be a festive match to wash away the turkey and beer, Exiles continued to show their hunger for improvement against very worthy opponents from a higher level. Final Score: Exiles XV 17 - Bloxwich XV 15Exiles Grab their Chances
Date: Saturday December 20 2008Competition: Midlands West 6 (South West)
Birmingham Exiles 18 pts, Warley 10
Good back play in attack and typical scragging defence all around saw Birmingham Exiles RUFC post their third successive league win in a hard fought match against Warley. In a game that brought precious few try-scoring chances, E�s took those that they got with aplomb to clinch victory.
Playing down the slope, Exiles conceded early penalties in the opposition half, but Warley were failing to find touch with the restarts. The home side were contesting everything, and a charge down took play close to the Warley line where E�s were awarded a penalty; full back Scott Forester goaled
The hosts stepped up a gear: gaining turnover possession at a ruck, the ball was sent crisply left to right where winger Matt Austin crossed in the corner for a try which Forester only just failed to convert.
Warley were putting a lot of effort in for little reward, Exiles being a touch fortunate that penalty concessions did not cost them more dearly. In the rest of the half both sides mounted good attacks, E�s coming from a fine break by Russell, but neither side went really close to the line. . HT: Birmingham Exiles 8 Pts, Warley 0
Warley began the second half in determined fashion, but missed a penalty goal attempt very early on; a raid down the left flank soon after seemed certain to yield a score, but an excellent tackle halted the danger.
Around the hour mark, the visitors claimed their first points, open side flanker John Taylor landing a penalty goal.
Play was now more open, and mostly in the Exiles half; both sides missed penalties before Exiles scored the try of the match: close to the left touchline, scrum half Root tapped a penalty and made good yardage before the ball was spun across to the opposite flank where Austin crossed for his second try.
If Exiles thought the 13-3 lead would see them home, they were soon put right. Warley�s powerful outside centre Standish Mbano charged down an attempted clearance kick and won the race to touch down in goal; surprisingly, the simple-looking conversion was missed.
E�s response was immediate and decisive: once again gaining turnover ball, the backs clicked into gear again, the ball going to the left this time, where winger Wagstaff found space to go over in the corner, the try re-establishing a ten-point lead for the hosts. Warley attempted a spirited response down the right channel, but the final pass was knocked on and Exiles held out.
Exiles deserved their win for taking their chances well, though it could have been a much more close-run thing had Warley brought their kicking boots.
Exiles Battle Well but Power Prevails
Date: Saturday December 13 2008Birmingham Exiles XV 7 pts, Wednesbury XV 16
Birmingham Exiles� original fixture against Griffinians failed to materialise but Wednesbury stepped in to fill the breach. E�s side was a roughly even mix of first and second teamers, Wednesbury�s rather closer to a first. With their league standing being three divisions higher than the hosts, it was quite a tough demand on Exiles who acquitted themselves well despite losing.
Wednesbury took the lead after eight minutes when scrum half Chris Jones crossed for a try, the scorer himself hitting a post with his conversion attempt.
E�s mounted a strong attack down the right flank, but the visitors regained possession and cleared. A similar attack by Wednesbury failed as the final pass was knocked on. However Exiles were coming under increasing pressure and, despite defending well, fell further behind to a penalty from Jones shortly before half time. HT: Birmingham Exiles 0 pts, Wednesbury 8
Exiles struck back early in the second half when stand off Wayne Burns made an alert interception and ran unchallenged to the posts; outside centre Dan Johnstone [E.Johnstone also in side] added the extras.
The visitors launched yet another attack down the right flank, with the winger appearing to dive over the five metre line rather than the goal line. But Wednesbury�s big forwards � and big backs! � were making their presence increasingly felt, and the decisive score of the match came when number eight Dale Dowty crashed through from a short-range penalty restart. Jones added a second penalty goal soon after to round off the scoring. E�s defended well for the remaining quarter of an hour.
It was a useful workout for Exiles who used a large squad to maximise match practice. Next week E�s return to league action with a home fixture against Warley.[k.o. 2:15]
Exiles Scale the Battlements!
Date: Saturday December 6 2008Competition: League: Midlands west 6 (SW)
Bredon Star 7 Pts, Birmingham Exiles 20
Birmingham Exiles travelled to Bredon, a small village at the southern tip of Worcestershire, to face a side with a 100%, four out of four home record. But E�s, despite missing one or two regulars, took the game to the hosts and became the first visitors to �Fortress Bredon� to take the spoils.
Exiles went on the attack in the opening minutes, Johnstone just missing a penalty goal attempt. But the visitors were in a confident mood and opened their account ten minutes in: they took the ball at a Bredon line out and worked the ball down the back line where full back Scott Forester [NB one �r�] found an inviting gap and crossed to touch down. Inside centre Elliott Johnstone converted.
E�s were dominating in the forwards, not least in the set scrums. And, when forced to defend, they often forced the home side into errors. Bredon mishandled in midfield and Exiles hacked the loose ball downfield; hooker Kieron Walter regathered and just made it to the left corner.
Two more try-scoring chances, for Forester in the left corner and Austin on the opposite flank were just denied, but it was still a very satisfactory first half for E�. . HT: Bredon Star 0 pts Birmingham Exiles 12
Bredon suffered a blow at the start of the second half as scrum half Kieron Mattey [Sam Mattey, cousin, also in side] was forced to leave the field with a badly twisted ankle. E�s duly upped the ante at the scrums, generally pushing the home eight back. It was turnover ball at a ruck though, that yielded the next score for Exiles as the pack drove towards the home line, open side flanker Ryan Russell broke away and just made it over the goal line to ground the ball.
Bredon, though down, were by no means out and threw all they had into rescuing the game. Their strong centres, in particular, were generally breaking the first tackles, and it was taking some desperate defence by E�s to keep them out.
Eventually the pressure told: Bredon were awarded a penalty five metres out, and from the �tap�, mountainous right wing Sam Mattey crashed through close to the posts to give centre Daniel Atonelli a straightforward conversion.
Exiles had their nerve, held out against further determined attacks and consolidated their lead with about five minutes left as Forester calmly struck a penalty goal. A couple of final, frantic home attacks came to nought and E�s best win of the season was secured. It keeps them in sixth position on the league, with just three points covering the top six sides.
Next Saturday [13th] Exiles visit Old Griffinians [ ko 2:15]
Exiles Battle but no Breakthrough
Date: Saturday November 29 2008Atherstone 10 Pts, Birmingham Exiles 3
A sole, second half try by the home side was enough to gain Atherstone victory over Birmingham Exiles in the first fixture between the two sides since E�s were established eleven years back. The match was a tense, somewhat scrappy and occasionally fractious affair played in dismal conditions.
E�s began well: two attacks down the left flank looked promising but both failed with knock-ons. Indeed, the visitors were spending a lot of time in the home half at this stage, though not always taking the right options in attack. Still it was a pretty fair reflection of the game when inside centre Elliott Johnstone gave Exiles the lead with a penalty.
Within five minutes the hosts were level as stand-off Mick Cameron kicked a long range penalty.
As half time approached a booming touch finder penalty put E�s on the defensive close to their own line, but Atherstone were penalised following the restart. . HT: Atherstone 3 pts Birmingham Exiles 3
Exiles again took it to the opposition at the start of the second half with strong half-breaks from Holloway and Taylor but effective support was lacking. Not many minutes in, Taylor had to leave the field with a back injury and his absence was felt in the pack. An attack down the right by Exiles then foundered on a forward pass.
Line outs, so often a problem for E�s, were going well but the scrums were a very different matter. The visiting eight were generally shunting Exiles back on the latter�s put-in, frustrating the building of any effective attack.
E�s were on the right end, overall, of a rather high penalty account but it was one against them that proved their undoing as the kick was booted deep downfield and into touch. From the restart, Atherstone drove to the line and outside centre Tony Cooper crashed through to touch down; Cameron added the conversion. E�s tried their best to rescue the match, but to no avail.
Just about the right result as Atherstone took the only real try scoring chance of the afternoon. But a commendable show from a rathef experimental Exiles outfit, who next week travel to Bredon Star for a league fixture against a side that has yet to lose at home.
Exiles Hold Out for Welcome Win
Date: Saturday November 15 2008Competition: Midlands West 6 (South West)
Birmingham Exiles 15 pts, Claverdon 9
Another good first half attacking display coupled with some dogged defence in the second period brought a win for Birmingham Exiles RUFC against Claverdon at Bickenhill. It was the third time this season that E�s have come through on the back of a scoreless second 40.
Playing down the slope, Exiles went swiftly on to the attack; Claverdon countered with a raid up the left flank that foundered when a pass meant for the winger went into touch.
Exiles generally had the upper hand in these early minutes, and took a deserved lead when inside centre Elliott Johnstone kicked a penalty goal following an offence at a ruck. This score was matched by visiting scrum half Ian Wiley when E�s were similarly penalised a few minutes later.
Claverdon attacked via the left wing channel again, but the hosts won turnover possession and cleared their lines. Going back on attack, Exiles were more successful: an up-and-under was knocked on by the visitors; from the scrum the ball was spun out to the right where stand-off Wayne �Monty� Burns popped up in the winger�s position to cross for a try.
Back up the slope went Claverdon; Exiles defended well but then conceded a penalty which Wiley goaled to cut the gap to two points.
With two minutes to the break, the home side struck again: at a scrum close to their line, Claverdon were penalised for a crooked feed; E's tapped and went and number eight Gareth �Chunk� Holloway took a short pass to crash over for a try which Johnstone converted to round off the half. . HT: Birmingham Exiles 15 Pts, Claverdon 6
Claverdon began the second half with an attack, but once again Exiles checked and cleared the threat.
But the visitors were exerting increasing pressure, and E�s were conceding penalties; Wiley goaled one of these to post his third score of the afternoon.
The game now took on the nature of a siege; just about all play was in the home half as Claverdon mounted a series of attacks. But terrific, albeit sometimes desperate defence kept E�s line unbreached. Both sides were conceding penalties, and at least two Claverdon attacks failed on this. Wiley came close to a fourth penalty with a long-range effort, though a touch finder might have been the better option.
With precious little time left, the visitors had the put-in on an attacking five-metre scrum. They duly heeled it, but as they drove for the line Exiles somehow managed to wrest the ball from them. A final, frantic attack by Claverdon came to nought and E�s were home.
It was a deserved win for Exiles of only because of their prodigious defensive effort. In addition to the scorers, second rower Avery merits a mention for tireless work in general play.
Next Saturday [22nd] E�s host Coventrians. ko 2:15 pm
Exiles Back on Track � With a Wobble
Date: Saturday November 1 2008Competition: Midlands West 6 (South West)
Birmingham Exiles 23 pts, Highley 12
An impressive first half display was enough to end a run of three consecutive defeats for Birmingham Exiles RUFC in their match against bottom club Highley at Bickenhill. And that was just as well, as things went rather askew in second spell as the visitors fought back with spirit,
Playing up the slope, Exiles made a sound start, inside centre Elliott Johnstone [D. Johnstone (bro.) also in side] kicking a penalty after five minutes.
E�s forwards then charged up the right flank, recycling well from the rucks and went further ahead when number eight Darren Hall took a short pass to drive over from five metres out. Highley then mounted one of their few attacks of the half, but the ball was kicked dead.
The home side looked assured at this stage, and Highley were tending to concede penalties, one of which was goaled by Elliot Johnstone. Then came the best scoring move of the match: the ball was moved right to left down the back line and full back Scott Forrester took the final pass for a try in the corner.
An opportunistic and individual came score next. A penalty award to E�s had most players expecting a goal attempt, but open side flanker Ryan Russell just tapped and went for it, touching down close enough to the posts to give Elliott Johnstone a simple conversion. Highley then took play to the home line but Exiles gained turnover ball and kept their line intact. . HT: Birmingham Exiles 23 Pts, Highley 0
E �s began the second half with another raid down the right flank but were forced into touch. Now the visitors were beginning to find some cohesion and took play up the slope to the home line. From a free kick, Highley full back Mark Bowen took a quick tap and charged over to open the visitors� account.
The referee had earlier yellow carded Highley�s Aspin for an offence at the breakdown, and now he did the same for Exiles� Avery. Highley again tapped the resultant penalty, and the play ended with second row Ian Richards crashing through by the posts for a try which outside centre Michael Bywater goaled to cut E�s lead to nine points.
Exiles mounted a swift counter attack but now Highley�s much improved defence kept them out. A further raid down the right ended with a knock-on, and meanwhile the home defence were being given a fair bit to do by the visitors. A penalty attempt by Johnstone that went side was the closest E�s came to scoring in the second half, but the first half proved to be enough to see them home. They will be aware though that 40 minutes will not always be enough; it was � a game of two halves� all right.
Exiles will need to raise their game for next Saturday�s [8th�] visit to current league leaders Bromyard [ko: 2:00 pm]
Exiles Can�t Spoil the Party
Date: Saturday 25 October 2008Competition: League: Midlands west 6 (SW)
Tenbury 38 Pts, Birmingham Exiles 0
Birmingham Exiles RUFC�s trip to Tenbury for their league fixture coincided with the fiftieth anniversary � to the day � of the home club�s founding, and the hosts were in no mood to have their celebrations spoiled.
E�s had first possession but made no effective use of it. By contrast, Tenbury�s first attack took them to Exiles� line, but they knocked on. At this stage Exiles were contesting the rucks well, gaining turnover ball on occasions but not using it to good advantage.
A touch finder penalty by the hosts failed to find its target, but E�s were then unlucky to concede a penalty. From the restart, Tenbury went to the line where number eight Will Morgan crashed over; left wing Dave Edwards converted.
Exiles� Austin attempted an audacious penalty goal from some 50 metres out; his kick had the distance but was off target; am effort from Burns also went wide.
Tenbury returned to the attack an increased their lead when blind side flanker Andy Black went over. The hosts stepped up the pace and outside centre Alex Patten who cut through straight to the posts to give Edwards a simple goal kick. . HT: Tenbury 19 pts Birmingham Exiles 0
The visitors tried to address the situation at the start of the second half: Wagstaff made a fine midfield break but was well tackled.
Tenbury were enjoying the lion�s share of possession but, rather fortunately for E�s, were tending to make unforced errors. It took them twenty-five minutes into the half to score again. Morgan picking up from the base of a scrum and going over for his second try.
E�s were dong their level best to compete, but the last fifteen minutes were a bit of an ordeal, not helped by Austin having to leave the field with a recurrent neck injury. As they tired, so Tenbury began to find the gaps: full back Mark Birks rounded of good handling with a try in the right corner which was very well converted by Edwards. Finally, near the end of what seemed an over-long half, home scrum half Dean Gervais exploited turnover ball at a ruck to cross for a try which Edwards goaled to complete the scoring.
Not the happiest of days for Exiles, though they did their best to compete, especially in the pack where Poles and particularly, Hall worked hard to no avail.
Exiles must hope that am aggravated injury list can be overcome for next Saturday�s league match at home to Highley [ko: 2:30]
Exiles Exit in Tough Battle
Date: Saturday October 18 2008Competition: EDF Energy Junior Vase 3rd Round
Birmingham Exiles 10 pts, Stoke Old Boys 17
An intense encounter at Bickenhill saw Birmingham Exiles RUFC go out of the EDF Energy Junior Vase against Coventry side Stoke Old Boys. E�s pack generally did well against a bigger visiting eight, but were undone by two quick scores early in the second half.
The hosts withstood and cleared an early Old Boys attack but fell behind to a penalty from stand off Rory Jordan. Stoke knocked on from the restart and Exiles launched a counter attack. Keeping the pressure up, they forced the visitors into conceding successive penalties, the second of which was goaled by inside centre Elliott Johnstone [N.Johnstone (bro.) also in side]
Both sides struggled for ascendancy in the remainder of the half, E�s doing well to hold out in a period of sustained pressure, gaining and clearing turnover ball. But they in turn were turned over on an attack just before the break. HT: Birmingham Exiles 3 Pts, Stoke Old Boys 3
Old Boys got just the start they wanted after half time: they won a line out, a rolling maul went to a ruck and, from the base, Tom Stokes, who had replaced Jordan at stand off found a gap on the left to cross for a try which he goaled himself. Exiles responded, going to the visitors� line, where Root grabbed a loose ball from the back of a Stoke scrum and went close.
But then came the �game breaker� as a kick from E�s inside their own half was miscued; Stoke took full advantage and the lively Stokes crossed for another try that was a near-repeat of his first, and which he again converted.
Old Boys were more confident now and their forwards were driving hard in open play. Exiles redoubled their efforts; they went down to the visitors line where good recycling from the ruck ended with open side flanker Ben Thompson going over wide on the right. Scrum half Andy �Scooter� Root put over a good conversion, and Exiles were back in contention.
E�s were now setting the pace, and began to pound the Stoke line; Stoke began to concede penalties, but goals alone were no good to Exiles at this stage and they were unable to break through.
On the balance of overall play, Old Boys just about deserved their win.
Back to league business for E�s next Saturday when they visit Tenbury Wells.
Exiles Run Ends
Date: Saturday October 11 2008Competition: Midlands West 6 (South West)
Birmingham Exiles 3 pts, Clee Hill 10
A try on the hour, the only one of the match, was enough to end Birmingham Exiles RUFC�s unbeaten record for the season at home to Clee Hill. Thus the Shropshire visitors gained revenge for a cup defeat at E�s hands on the opening day of the season.
Playing down the slope, E�s began with some purpose and dominated territorially in the opening minutes. Clee began to concede penalties and, after narrowly failing with his first attempt at goal, Elliott Johnstone [D. Johnstone (bro.) also in side] was on target with his second attempt to give the hosts a 3-0 lead.
Attempts at running rugby were less successful � from both sides. Clee had clearly decided to make it a forward battle and their pack was generally on top in the set pieces. At quarter time, Exiles were penalised for going �in at the side� at a ruck and Clee stand off Stefan Brick kicked the goal to level matters at 3-3.
E�s reapplied themselves and mounted a promising attack down the left but the move failed on a forward pass. As the half drew to a close, the Clee forwards pressed strongly on the home line, but some good, if sometimes frantic defence kept them out. . HT: Birmingham Exiles 3 Pts, Clee Hill 3
The second half began much as the first had ended. Clee took play to the home line where their pack pounded Exile�s defence. The hosts held out again, eventually gaining turnover ball and clearing their lines.
The next score was probably going to be crucial and it came as the Clee centres found a gap on the right, creating an overlap for winger Craig Breakwell who crossed wide out. The try was well converted by Brick.
Exiles did all they could to rescue the situation, the forwards attempting to play Clee at their own game. With ten minutes left, Johnstone attempted to a penalty goal from a narrow angle, but the kick was wide. The running option might have been a better bet. As it was, time simply ran out for E�s.
A bit disappointing for the home side, but credit to Clee Hill for taking just about the only clear-cut try scoring opportunity in the match. E�s must put this match behind them and redirect their energies to next Saturday�s [18th�] home EDF Energy Vase tie with Stoke Old Boys from Coventry. It will be a stiff test
Exiles Held � But Still Unbeaten
Date: Saturday 4 October 2008Competition: League: Midlands west 6 (SW)
Chaddesley Corbett 13 Pts, Birmingham Exiles 13
Birmingham Exiles RUFC were unable to maintain their 100% overall playing record for the season to date.
A late, late try scored not longer after Exiles had led for the only time in the match resulted in a draw at Chaddesley Corbett for the second year running in this fixture.
On a reasonably firm surface, but with a stiff cross wind, E�s began fitfully, conceding penalties, one of which resulted in a missed goal attempt, and losing the first scrum against the head. It was not long in when Chaddesley took the lead, full back Calvin Ball picking up a loose ball wide on the right and showing great pace to make it to the corner for a try.
Exiles got a grip: they took play to the home line where Burns and Poles only just failed to touch down as the visitors mounted attacks from a succession of five metre scrums. A home attack down the right then saw a great interception by Burns whose 60-metre run saw him hauled down some 20 metres out.
As half time approached, Exiles went to the home line again and Elliott Johnstone [D.Johnstone � Bro. Also in side] slotted over a penalty to cut the gap to two points at the break.
. HT: Chaddesley Corbett 5 pts Birmingham Exiles 3
Chaddesley began the second half on the offensive and extended their lead when outside centre Roger Fry goaled a penalty given for offside at a ruck.
Exiles countered with their best attacking move of the match so far, but good home defence and an eventual knock-on brought no reward. They continued to press, though, and from a 5 metre scrum on the left, scrum half Andy �Scooter� Root went from the base and found a gap to force his way over to level it at 8-8.
E�s sensed that victory might be had and continued to press. From a scrum � which they were a touch fortunate to get � Root put up a high kick which the pack regathered; the ball was then shifted wide to the right were winger Paul Wagstaff crossed in the corner to give the visitors a five point lead; E.Johnstone�s conversion attempt drifted wide.
With five minutes left, Chaddesley went for broke. They took play to the home line and where Exiles� defence was stretched to its limits. Knowing that a penalty would be the game�s last play, they whipped the ball out to the left where full back Ball crossed for his second score. To the relief of E�s players, Fry�s conversion attempt was off target so matters finished all square, an outcome that seemed pretty fair to players and spectators alike.
Exiles were missing at least four first choice players for this fixture, and will be hoping to pick from greater strength when Clee Hill, looking to avenge a cup defeat last month, come to Bickenhill for a league match next Saturday [11th]