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2009/2010 Results/Reports

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Season Summary

Awards: Presented at Dinner and Dance
Club Awards
Club Junior club person of the year: Tracey Gibson
Club Person of the Year: Andy Root
Paul Smith Award for Tradition to Coarse Rugby: Sue Ahmed
The Exiles Award for commitment to training: Stuart Meacham
2nd XV Most Improved Player of the Year: Sean Williams
1st XV Most Improved Player of the Year: Michael Loughrey
2nd XV Player of the Year: Luke Mckinley
1st XV Player of the Year: Hayden Pattison

National Awards:
RFU Seal of Approval (Junior Section) - Alan Gibson
RFU Presidents XV National Recognition for Schools Development - Andy Root

Season Report - From Dinner and Dance
Celebrations continued long after last year’s dinner and dance, and for some it went way into July! Although this season was a complete opposite in the 1st XV league campaign, the future looks very bright and could even see a repeat performance of the league success from the 2008-2009 Season. The 1st XV performances towards the end of the season, the commitment and performance in the 2nd XV, and the young recruits lined up to bolster the numbers will surely have an impact.

It was a long summer of 2009, with the first priority to make sure that our Australian friend departed from Heathrow without any trouble. After a tearful goodbye Mr Forester left with the vow to return to England one day and put on an Exiles shirt. He sends his apologies, but intends on having a satellite link up from his home town of Brisbane in time for the awards ceremony. Next on the agenda was the small matter of the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa. A group of Exiles tourists set out on a trip of a lifetime and there was a rumour that some of them were to travel as back up for the Lions squad. Back on home soil other members of the Exiles were gearing up to a summer in O’neill’s and the live showing of the Lions series. The Durban born Hayden “Gerbil” Pattison and our very own air hostess Vaughany organised an exciting trip which featured discounted air fare, free in-flight beer, corporate hospitality at the First Test, a close insight into the bars of Durban, shopping with the Welsh players and a private showing from the lesser spotted blue ball monkey! The crowds were gathering in O’neill’s, Solihull with each game packed with members of the Exiles. Fred’s organisational skills ensured a cracking atmosphere and also the glimmer of hope that they could spot their brothers somewhere in the crowd. As we are all aware, the Lions Series was a classic and a great way to end an exciting season for everyone connected to the Exiles. If you want to hear more from the Lions Tour, see Tim Vaughan’s hot showing of “Inside the Lions Men”.

Good numbers and a great deal of commitment from everyone during summer training were giving good signs for the forthcoming season. The ever popular curry and quiz night and a rare glimpse of Frank Jewitt’s knobbly knees during the 5 aside football competition were ticking the bar takings over nicely and putting the club in a good position for the start of the 2009 – 2010 season. Scootstock opened the official start to the playing season, with the biggest attendance to date savouring the atmosphere in the new marquee. Palm Strings, the Exiles Youth Band and a Guitar playing Goose headlined the music festival which witnessed some eye catching dancing and some interesting erections…………………………tents! On the pitch 1st XV results were not going to plan with scoring opportunities going begging and an obvious sign that we were missing our little koala bear, future marine Tom Patrick, but also Matt Austen who had sadly dislocated his knee. As the start of the season progressed, Exiles were able to field 3 teams which was having a positive impact on bar sales and social functions. Fred and Sue’s social nights were a great hit with the members and allowed an opportunity for all to express themselves by dressing up as women, pop stars and ghostlies. The atmosphere was pleasing for all and assisted those in the 2nd/3rd XV to enjoy the rugby as much as they could by showing a real team spirit.

The Junior Section were showing steady signs of improvement and with a large number of new recruits at the start of the season the under 14’s were beginning to compete against respectable sides. Michael Rowe and George Carlton were playing superbly during every game showing skill, strength and potential for the future. The under 16’s were having a rough time, with a lack of numbers, lack of structure and showing frustration each week as a result. A revised structure and fresh approach saw Hayden Pattison join the coaching team and provided an immediate impact with the lads showing hunger and determination. The impact from the “Coaching in Schools” project was having a huge effect on the Junior Section with new recruits arriving each week. The under 14’s were averaging a squad of 20 and the under 16’s had finally broke the 15 players barrier. Places were up for grabs and commitment was on the up! Support from the parents in the Junior Section was growing each week and special mention must go to AJ Taylor for his transportation. AJ decided that after 4 months of picking up a 14 year old stranger, he would introduce himself to Josh Tilley’s mother. What an impact, within 3 weeks Josh’s mum was visiting the club along with the rest of her family. Cheers AJ!

The New Year is always a time of remembrance at the Exiles with the anniversary of Paul Smith’s death. We were unfortunate enough to hear the sad news that we had lost another comrade in that of Bill Leckie. A special memorial match was arranged and created a massive response from current players but also players in the distant past, the likes of Johnny Gaughran, Nigel Walker, Darren Allsop were all captained by Billy’s son Will Leckie. In the annual Tony Llewellyn-Paul Smith Memorial Match, Exiles Second XV beat Aston Old Edwardians thirds 17-12 in a sometimes fiery encounter. Wagstaff, Bayliss and Taylor scored tries for E’s with Lindsay adding a conversion to the first of these. This was the first time in a number of years that Exiles had managed to overcome a far superior opposition which just shows the progress made in the 2nd XV throughout the season under the leadership of Fred. The 2nd XV performances were starting to rub off on the 1st XV with a good run of matches towards the season, the first league win of the season came against a vicious Stoke Old Boys with a thumping 30 point victory. On average the final 10 league matches saw the 1st XV lose by less than 8 points each match, which with the proposed bonus point scoring system would have put us joint top!!! The 2nd XV Merit League was a major success finishing runners up to our old neighbours. The commitment and effort was apparent especially with performances from the likes of Luke Mcinkley, Ben Appleton, Sean Williams and Lee Bayliss. A big thank you to the younger generation Bernie Weaver, Dave Lindsay, Farid Ahmed and Parky for their wise heads! Despite the 1st XV finishing upside down, I strongly believe that this season has been more rewarding, especially off the field of play. We have positive future with teams operating from September at Under 12’s, Under 15’s, Under 17’s along with an exciting group of new players joining the current senior squad. Enjoy the evening and look forward to an exciting summer of social events. Support the club as we take bigger steps to go “FORWARD IN UNITY”!

Match Reports

President’s Men Retain Trophy

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Date: Sunday May 2 2010
Competition: President's Day

Birmingham Exiles 29 pts, President’s XV 34

Birmingham Exiles RUFC ended their season in at Bickenhill with the traditional match against a President’s XV; and once again it was the invitation side who came out on top in a typically high-scoring game.

E’s took an early lead with a penalty from standoff Dan Johnstone (E.Johnstone – bro. - also in side), but this was overturned within two minutes with a try from flanker Jim Hendricks whose break down the right took him over near the corner.

The Presidents XV lead was extended when number eight Ken Dowding - who had played for the Army, v Navy, at Twickenham the day before – made a forty metre run to the left corner for a try. Exiles number eight, Gareth “Chunk” Holloway then returned the compliment as the hosts took a rolling maul over the line following a penalty.

A second penalty goal from D.Johnstone briefly restored E’s lead at 11-10 but, as earlier, a try from Dowding – his second – following a rolling maul after a lineout, saw the Presidents XV ahead again.

Twice more before the break, the lead changed hands: first Exiles left winger Pete Sandford made a storing run up the line and, though ankle-tap-tackled, regained his feet and made it to the line for a try which made it 16-15. Finally, to end the half, President’s left winger Shane McDonnell rounded off a counter attack from a “22” dropout with a try in his corner.

HT: Birmingham Exiles 16 Pts, President’s XV 20

More pictures in the Gallery

President’s Stephen Leach, a powerful presence at stand off, regained the lead for his side with a try soon after the restart, with full back Adam Walker adding the conversion. Exiles’ cut a widening gap to eight points as D.Johnstone struck his third penalty.

Two successive penalty concessions by President’s saw a well-worked move from E’s end with a try in the corner from right winger Alex Warrillow which cut the gap to three points at 24-27.

Back came the Presidents XV: Leach chose to tap and run a penalty close to the home line, and forced his way over for a try which Walker converted to make it 32-24 to the guests.

Exiles, though, were not done and, again from a rolling maul. Holloway grounded the ball for his second try to end the scoring.

For the second year running Leach, for President’s, took man-of-the-match accolade. The home award went to second rower Richard Weaver [B.Weaver – father – in Pres. XV]
Report By John Simpkin

Exiles Just Reeled In - Draw not enough to avoid bottom spot

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Date: Saturday April 24 2010
Competition: Midlands West 4 (South)

Coventry Welsh 19 pts, Birmingham Exiles 19

birmingham exiles rufc travelled to coventry welsh for their last league fixture of the season needing a win to – almost certainly – avoid bottom spot in the divisional table. they came agonisingly close: at around the hour mark, a 12-point lead in an attritional but absorbing encounter looked as if it might be enough; but the home side, themselves looking to claim second spot, posted two late scores to leave the result all square.

in the first 15 minutes, e’s had to survive a couple of raids, the second being spiked by a timely tackle from root on the speedy home left winger.

then came exiles’ first real chance of the match and they grabbed it: an almighty mix-up in the home defence saw the visitors hack the ball on twice and full back andy “scooter” root was first to dive on the loose ball for the try.

e’s then had to withstand further attacks. a raid down eh right ended with a forward pass. then centre horan was held up over the line; following the five-metre scrum, exiles were then penalised, but the hosts, opting to run it, then knocked on.

HT: coventry welsh 0 pts, birmingham exiles 5

Coventry got the start they wanted at the start of the second half. from a line out following the kick-off, the pack worked the ball down the left centre channel and the move ended with inside centre liam horan crossing for a try, gaoled by standoff simon hughes, which put the home side ahead by two points. soon after, e’s had another escape when a kick was charged down but the ball went dead.

in general play however, particularly in the forward exchanges, the exiles were giving as good as they got and they regained the lead when, having won turnover ball after a scrum, the ball went to inside centre peter davies who made a sidestepping run to the line for a try that stand off dan johnstone [e.johnstone – bro. – also in side] converted.

the visitors’ pack now enjoyed their best period of the match and, just past the hour mark, they engineered a superb rolling maul that took them some 20 metres downfield and from the rear of which number eight, gareth “chunk” holloway broke to charge to the posts for a try which d.johnstone duly goaled to make the score 19-7 in e’s favour.

welsh upped their game, and replied in similar fashion from a lineout after a penalty close the exiles line, the maul rolling over the line where number eight simon stubbs grounded the ball to cut the margin to a single score.

e’s then mounted an attack down the right but were penalised. and it was a trio of penalties, the second of which was questionable to say the least, that set up the coventry pack for yet another maul that went over for flanker mark kitchener to claim the try that was well converted by hughes to level the score at 19-all.

both sides strove all they could to nail the decisive score in the few remaining minutes but it was not to be. as it was, the draw was about right, though a win for exiles would not have been unjust. given the formbook, it was as good as show as e’s had put up all season.

exiles regular season has now ended and they must await the usual re-jigging of the leagues to find out their status for 2010-11.
Report By John Simpkin

Exiles Hold On for Victory in “Basement Battle”

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Date: Saturday April 10 2010
Competition: Midlands West 4 (South)

Rugby Welsh 10 Birmingham Exiles 25

Birmingham Exiles RUFC could not have started better in this much-anticipated match, with both teams needing to avoid defeat in order to have any chance of escaping the “drop”.

Instant pressure from the E’s pack took the play directly into the Rugby Welsh half and, within a couple of minutes, a penalty was awarded from which Elliott Johnstone [D & N Johnstone also in side] duly kicked the goal.

Exiles continued to pile the pressure, immediately catching the restart and running straight through the opposition to set up acres of space out wide. Quick ball then allowed centre Wayne “Monty” Burns to make a 30-metre canter to the line. Another try from Burns came shortly after.

The opposition must have been fearing the worst as Exiles did not let up, yet another attack from the restart taking them directly back into the Welsh half. Good control from the visitors’ pack allowed yet more quick ball to D. Johnstone whose deceiving pass to Dave “Psycho” Poles saw the latter break through the defence and sprint to the line for a try which D.Johnstone converted.

It had been rare this season for E’s to score so much so early in a match, and it was apparent that they would ease off the pressure at some stage: just before half time a yellow card offence against allowed Rugby Welsh time to regroup and score a try on the stroke of half time.

HT: Rugby Welsh 5 Exiles 20

After the break Rugby Welsh carried on where they had left off and scored a vital try just as Exiles were unlucky enough to have another man yellow carded. With the score delicately poised at 20-10, Exiles had to dig deep if they were to hold on. And dig deep they did, surviving constant pressure from the Rugby Welsh forwards.

[This defensive stint was compared by outside centre Andy Root to one by England, also 13 against 15, in Wellington, NZ back in 2003, when they fought off the All Blacks just before they conquered the world.]

With 20 minutes to go, and back to 15 men, Exiles made two changes in the pack, which proved to be vital for the remainder of the game. Darren Hall switched to the front row and Holloway came on to provide fresh legs. E’s attacked with speed and aggression, and Burns was unlucky not to get his hat trick, being tackled as he dived over the line.

The decisive score came when a quick break out wide and great support from the Exiles pack saw number eight Gareth “Chunky” Holloway cruise through to score.

Exiles must now win at least one of their two remaining games to have any chance of finishing in bottom spot. Next Saturday [April 17] E’s take on Keresley at home [3pm kick off]. E’s are asking that anyone with links to the club comes and shows support in this crucial match, which could save Exiles from the drop
Report By John Simpkin

Exiles can’t Stem the Flow

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Date: Saturday April 3 2010
Competition: Midlands West 4 (South)

Pinley 58 pts, Birmingham Exiles 19

Birmingham Exiles RUFC travelled to Pinley in Coventry somewhat below full strength, but hoping to improve on the previous week’s seven-point defeat against the same opponents. However, the home side were equally determined to better their own lacklustre, albeit winning, performance and this they proceeded to do in no uncertain manner.

It took the hosts just eight minutes to get on the scoreboard: an Exiles scrum was shunted into touch and from the line out prop Simon Nicholls drove over, outside centre Michael Parker adding the conversion.

Exiles’ Warrillow was just short with a penalty, then back on their own line. E's just kept a driving maul from going over.

But E’s levelled when left winger Alex Warrillow intercepted and went some 70 metres to touch down behind the posts, adding the goal points himself for good measure to level it at 7-7.

But that was as good as it got, scorewise, for the visitors. The started to shove back Exiles’ pack at nearly every set scrum and number eight Justin Messam crossed twice, with Parker converting the second of these scores. Parker then joined the try scorers’ list himself, and scoring for the half was rounded off with a 60 metre run to the posts by right winger Steve Hodson with Parker again adding the extras.

HT: Pinley 31 pts, Birmingham Exiles 7

The first passage of play of the second half led to another home score: Exiles’ kick-off failed to go 10-metres, but Pinley opted for advantage and worked the ball downfield, the move ending with scrum half Michael Moore going over for a try which was well-converted by Parker.

A deep, touch finder penalty by E’s put them in a good attacking position. But the lineout throw was crooked.

Not for the first time, Pinley then took a scrum against the head and rounded off the move with a strong run from blindside flanker Rayner Stanley which took him over. Exiles defence was breached again as inside centre Stephen Hinds went over, Parker goaling.

But E’s kept at it, and gained some uplift as Warrillow scored a near carbon copy of his first try with another interception. Boosted by this, they then put together a scoring move that compared well to any in the match as the three-quarters finally gelled and outside centre Tom Patrick crossed on the right; stand off Dan Johnstone [E & N Johnstone – bros. – also in side] converting.

Exiles, though, were now feeling the effects of their defensive duties and the home side posted further tries from Moore and a hat-trick score from Messam.

In a pack that was given a hard afternoon, E’s Nathan Johnstone worked tirelessly all match.

Exiles travel down the M6 again next Saturday [10th] when the visit Rugby Welsh in a league match [k.o 3:00 pm]
Report By John Simpkin

Exiles Can’t Break Through

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Date: Saturday March 27 2010
Competition: Midlands West 4 (South)

Birmingham Exiles 6 pts, Pinley 13

Birmingham Exiles RUFC ‘s early concession of a try against Pinley probably cost them at least a share of the spoils against the Coventry outfit. E’s certainly had enough possession to have gained some reward, being on the right end of a prodigious penalty tally. But, for one reason or another they once more failed to make it count on the scoreboard.

The very first passage of play yielded a score for the visitors, a strong run and break from inside centre Hands setting up a try for outside centre Stephen Hodgson in the left corner; left winger Ashley Hancock added an excellent conversion from wide out. Six minutes later, Hancock pushed the lead out to ten points with a penalty goal.

Exiles seemed to be looking down the barrel of a hefty score, but harried and hassled Pinley into errors and, most notably, into conceding penalties. Once deep touch finder took them close to the visitors’ line, but the lineout was lost. Then, from a scrum, a good-looking three-quarter move failed on the pass to the wing.

Exiles looked certain to score as the ball was moved from right to left down the back line, but centre Drinkwater, attempting to step inside a defender, lost his footing and the chance was lost.

Just after the half hour mark, Pinley suffered the fist of three “sin binnings”, all for props. Exiles did all they could to take advantage. H.Patterson (bro. also in side), in fine form throughout the match, launched an attack from a penalty, but E’s then conceded a penalty themselves.

HT: Birmingham Exiles 0 pts, Pinley 10

Pinley started the second half with another early score as Exiles were caught offside and Hancock kicked his second penalty goal.

But for the next twenty-minutes or so, the visitors never left their own half as Exiles tried all they could to break through. Some reward came in the form of penalty goal from standoff Dan Johnstone [bros. E & N Johnstone in side].

Then another bit of tough luck for the home side as slick handling looked to have put winger Pugh over on the right, but he was adjudged to have dropped the ball over the line.

A second yellow card for a Pinley prop was followed by a missed penalty attempt from D.Johnstone; two more good attacking positions, from a scrum and then a lineout, came to nought.

Eventually Pinley raised the siege and went up the slope to the home line. They pressed all they could for what looked certain to be a decisive score, but some brave if frantic defence from Exiles kept them out.

Back down the slope went E’s and two penalty awards, the second an extra ten metres for backchat, enable D.Johnstone to land his second penalty goal and reduce the gap to a single-score, seven point margin.

The minutes were ticking away, and the game was becoming both scrappy and a bit fractious – the third yellow card for Pinley came at this point. Exiles tried to save the game with one final attack in the left corner but the ball was knocked on and that was it. Pinley raised a muted cheer at the final whistle, but it was more one of relief than exuberance.

Owing to earlier postponements, the return league fixture is at Pinley next Saturday [Apr.3, 3:00pm]; both sides will be looking to improve on Saturday’s showing.
Report By John Simpkin

Exiles Battle Hard, but no breakthrough

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Date: Saturday March 6 2010
Competition: Midlands West 4 (South)

Manor Park 17 pts, Birmingham Exiles 6

Birmingham Exiles RUFC travelled to Manor Park in Nuneaton looking for a win against a side that had beaten them fairly narrowly earlier in the season. The sides looked well matched in both forwards and backs for much of the game, but it was the home side that took two of the few try-scoring chances that came, and with them the points.

Both Dan Johnstone and Warrillow just failed with slightly ambitious penalty attempts for E’s in the opening minutes.

With some 13 minutes gone, Manor Park were awarded a rather dubious looking penalty for offside at a ruck. They chose to tap and go, and full back Cameron Foran came into the line in the outside centre position to cross for a try close enough to the posts to give stand off Dan Joyce [L.Joyce – bro. – also in side] a fairly comfortable conversion.

Exiles responded promptly: full back Warrillow, impressive throughout, looked to have grounded the ball for a try but was adjudged held up. The attack from the resultant five-metre scrum ended in touch. Park then went to the E’s “22” but a turnover enabled the visitors to break out.

As half time approached, the visitors continued to press and stand off Dan Johnstone [E.Johnstone – bro. – also in side] notched two well struck penalties to leave Exiles just one point behind at the break.

HT: Manor Park 7 pts, Birmingham Exiles 6

Exiles went to work quickly at the start of the second half, gaining a turnover with some excellent counter-rucking. But they couldn’t capitalise and Park eased out to a four points lead with a penalty from Dan Joyce.

As both sides pressed for a significant score, mistakes were becoming more frequent, but in the match’s most fluent move, a break from D.Joyce saw him provide the assist to outside centre Stuart Davey who crossed on the left for a try that D.Joyce converted well

E’s continued to press and mounted a good attack from a penalty, but spoiled the chance by conceding a penalty themselves. Another penalty award to E’s saw the touchfinder kick get within ten metres of the home line, but the throw at the lineout was crooked, and again a promising position went begging.

In the end, the host kept their line intact and held out for a victory that their more incisive finishing had earned them. For Exiles, Avery at number eight rather than second row on this occasion was a commanding figure in the lineout.

All being well, Exiles will stage their first home league game this year against Dudley Wasps at Bickenhill on Saturday [Mar.13] at 3.00 pm.

In addition, Exiles Third XV will be hosts for the annual memorial match against Aston Old Eds III which kicks of at 2:.20 pm.
Report By John Simpkin

Exiles Battle in Vain to Stem the Tide

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Date: Saturday 13th February, 2010
Competition: Midlands West 4 (South)

Evesham 47 pts, Birmingham Exiles 0

Birmingham Exiles RUFC were reminded of that old adage that a week is a long time in sport as they travelled to Evesham buoyed up by their previous week’s win against Stoke Old Boys. The home sides 100 per cent record with a 37 points per match average was underlined in a fluent display, particularly from the backs.

Exiles started well but then had to withstand a strong attack from the hosts. Ten minutes in, Evesham set the scoreboard in motion when outside centre Richard Mojer [sic] looped around his winger to score in the left corner.

Exiles competed well for the next fifteen minutes before home fullback Mike Diston added a penalty. Two minutes later, Exiles' Dan Johnstone [E.Johnstone – bro. Also in side] saw his penalty attempt hit a post. No such problem for Diston who struck a second penalty soon after.

The home three-quarters were now showing pace and flair and, after their forwards had taken the ball at an Exiles’ lineout, the ball was whipped out the right where winger Ben Holm crossed in the corner for a try which was excellently converted by Diston.

Exiles mounted a good attack from deep but were forced into touch. Then two successive penalty awards – the second for dissent – saw Exiles go the home line, but the ball was knocked on.

On the stroke of half time, Exiles’ Avery was sin-binned for stamping, a decision which seemed a touch harsh.

HT: Evesham 18 Pts, Birmingham Exiles 0

Down to 14 men, Exiles endured a torrid opening ten minutes of the second half: Holm scored a second try in the right corner; then, following a five-metre scrum close to the visitors line – the awarding of which looked to be an error – left winger Matt Groves went over on the corer, Diston again goaling well.

A quick throw-in by Exiles went awry and Holm picked up the loose ball and went to the posts for his hat-trick try which Diston duly converted. Exiles scrum half Root, who had been struggling for some time, then had to go off injured; Askins switched from fullback.

Evesham were conceding penalties, but generally in the visitors’ half, and Exiles were unable to capitalise. Another home try in the corner, this time from substitute right-winger Chim Gale {sic] took the hosts past the forty-point mark.

Exiles refused to throw in the towel, and launched a counter attack with centre Loveridge running strongly, but the move failed on a handling error.

The final score came as a pass from the base of a scrum won by Exiles went to ground on the blind side and lively home scum half Darren Hunter grabbed the ball and went to the line.

To their great credit, Exiles never let their heads drop, but is was a tough afternoon; at the final whistle, Patterson and Askins were walking wounded.

Exiles now have to put this behind them and prepare for next week’s home league match against second placed Keresley [kick off 2:15pm]
Report By John Simpkin

Exiles Click, and Win in Style

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Date: Saturday February 6 2010
Competition: Midlands West 4 (South)

Stoke Old Boys 5 Pts, Birmingham Exiles 31

Birmingham Exiles RUFC went to Stoke Old Boys in Coventry looking for their first league points and scored an emphatic success with a fluent display of running and handling that made light of a muddy surface that looked to favour the bulkier, less mobile home side.

E’s struck after just two minutes: a touch finder penalty attempt from Old Boys failed to find its target, and the visitors’ backs immediately counterattacked. The ball was spun from left to right where left winger Darryl Hetherington, who had raced across field in support, took the final pass and hared down the touchline to cross for a try in the corner. Stand off Dan Johnstone [E.Johnstone – bro. – also in side] added a superb conversion.

Old Boys fought back, but E’s defence was sound. They seemed certain to score again following a mishandling error from the home side; Exiles right winger Alex Warrillow hacked the loose ball three times towards the left corner, grabbed the ball in-goal yet was somehow held up by two pursuing defenders. No matter: from the five-metre scrum, the ball was again whipped smartly rightwards, and this time Warrillow found space to squeeze in at the corner, with D.Johnstone once again converting excellently.

E’s forwards continued to get the better of the home eight in both set piece and open play. A snaffling of the ball from a home line out was once again moved slickly down the back line where Drinkwater’s assist set Hetherington free and the winger’s sheer pace took past the home full back and over the line where he cut in for a try behind the posts to give D.Johnstone a simple conversion and Exiles a 21-point lead at the break.

HT: Stoke Old Boys 0 Pts, Birmingham Exiles 21

Exiles lost centre Meacham with a badly cut ear soon after the restart, but E.Johnstone was able to switch from the pack.

Two further attacks by E’s – one touched down by Old Boys in-goal, the other failing on a knock-on, yielded no more points. Stoke began to play their strengths: a touch-finder penalty took them close to the visitors’ line, and from the line out their number eight, whose short-range drives around the ruck had been threatening, was held up over the line. From the five-metre scrum, a strong run from outside centre Tom Kent took him over on the left for a try.

E’s repelled further attacks, then went on the attack again. D.Johnstone was just wide with a penalty goal attempt, but soon after, another well-controlled scrum set the backs into gear and a right-to-left three-quarter move ended with Hetherington crossing for his hat-trick try.

The 21-point lead was pretty unassailable, but Exiles were not done. A scrum was won against the head, a penalty was gained and second rower Loughrey, in lively form throughout, went on a storming run up the middle; from the ruck, the ball was worked out to the right where sub winger Dean Cross went over in the corner to complete a fine performance and a most welcome result.

It was, said scrum half Andy Root, a due reward for all the effort put in in training. This will be put to the test next Saturday [Feb.13] when E’s travel to league leaders Evesham who currently have a 100% league record.
Report By John Simpkin

Exiles Get Back on Track

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Date: Saturday 23rd January 2010
Competition: “Friendly”

HMP Featherstone 7 Pts, Birmingham Exiles 35

Birmingham Exiles RUFC had not played for six weeks before this match and, for much of the first half, this was fairly evident. However, their opponents, though highly successful at their own league level, could best be described as “keen but green”, particularly at the scrum. As a result, E’s pack provided an overwhelming share of possession which, eventually, paid due dividends.

As they were to do repeatedly, Exiles took the first scrum against the head, but their raid down the left was well defended. Same at the second scrum, though this time possession was squandered. Following a penalty miss by E’s D.Johnstone, Featherstone mounted a raid down the left but the winger was halted.

Exiles posted the first points when, from a scrum close to the line, number eight Gareth “Chunk” Holloway drove over for a try converted by stand off Dan Johnstone (NB E.Johnstone – bro – also in side)

The home side, though were full of running and levelled the score within four minutes. Following a tap penalty, the ball was moved to the right where winger Tony Gordon ran strongly to cross for a try which was well goaled by outside centre Gary Hampton.

At this stage it looked to be anybody’s match: despite all the possession, Exiles’ backs were not gelling in attack and the hosts tackling was robust. As half time approached, a penalty from D.Johnstone edged E’s ahead.

HT: HMP Featherstone 7 Pts, Birmingham Exiles 10

Early in the second half, two more penalties from D.Johnstone – the second gifted by verbal indiscipline – eased E’s out to a nine point lead.

And they were now playing with much more fluency: from a scrum, a textbook three-quarter move ended with left-winger Jay Drinkwater crossing in the corner to score. The try was excellently converted by D.Johnstone.

Exiles now hit their stride: Patterson was just held up over the line; two attacks in the left corner ended first with a knock-on and then held up in-goal. Finally the pressure told as from a free-kick awarded at scrum close to the home line, blind-side flanker Hayden Patterson, in impressive form from first to last, crossed in the right corner.

Featherstone kept at it, and some strong running from their forwards took them into Exiles “22”, but they were then penalised. As it was, the visitors added one further score as open side flanker Elliott Johnstone finished off some good handling to score between the posts to give brother Dan a simple conversion.

It was a very useful workout for E’s against fit and determined opponents in a match played in the best sporting spirit.
Report By John Simpkin

Exiles Back on Track

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Date: Saturday 21 November 2009
Competition: “Friendly”

Birmingham Exiles 32 pts, Five Ways Old Edwardians 0

In a break from league action, Exiles took on Five Ways Old Edwardians in a friendly at Bickenhill. In wet and windy conditions, both teams tried to keep the ball alive and string phases together. Against the elements in the first half, the E’s had the best of possession, but had to be patient until shortly before half time, when some sustained forward pressure in the Five Ways 22 led to a try by second row Avery after a pick and drive.

HT: Birmingham Exiles 5, Five Ways 0

The second half saw the E’s adapt their game to the conditions, and the Five Ways pack struggled to contain the powerful running around the fringes of their counterparts. Such running brought further tries from second rower Loughrey, and back rowers Poles and Pattison. The backs managed to get in on the action with scores from Williams and fly half Holloway.

Five Ways continued to try to play rugby, their fly half making some good breaks, but they could not recover from a first half where they should have taken advantage of the conditions. Pattison and Loughrey stood out for the home pack, while several 2nd teamers stepped up in the back line with impressive performances, particularly Williams, Kesterton and Graham. Vasey controlled the game well from scrum half, and in a difficult day for kicking, impressed all with a conversion right on the touchline.

Exiles 2s visited Five Ways 2s, and returned with a 26-5 victory, with a try apiece from Pugh and Weaver, and 2 for Mick ‘Skippy’ Howard. Next week, the E’s are back in league action with a trip to Keresley.
Report By Jamie Avery

Exiles Given too Much to Do

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Date: Saturday November 14 2009
Competition: Midlands West 4 (South)

Birmingham Exiles 8 pts, Evesham 34

Birmingham Exiles RUFC looked to have a stern test in seeking to gain their first league points from Evesham. The Worcestershire side came to Bickenhill as current leaders of the division with an average score of almost 39 points per game, and wasted little time in showing why.

E’s found themselves fourteen points down in almost as few minutes. First, the Evesham centres cut through the home defence and second rower Stuart Smart, supporting well, took the final pass to cross on the left; inside centre Andy Robinson added the conversion.

Soon after, from a midfield scrum some 30 metres out, the ball was worked out to the right where winger Ben Holme crossed in the corner for a try that was well goaled from the touchline by Robinson.

Exiles regathered themselves and began to compete more effectively. Twice, Dan Johnstone (E.Johnstone – bro. – also in side) hacked a loose ball ahead and appeared to have won the race to touch down for a try but was adjudged to have knocked on in-goal. However, Evesham then conceded a penalty at the five-metre scrum and open side flanker Elliott Johnstone kicked a penalty goal from in front of the posts.

HT: Birmingham Exiles 3 Pts, Evesham 14

Early in the second half, Evesham gained a five-metre scrum at the home line. The initial attack was held but the ball was recycled and spun to the right where Robinson joined the try-scorers’ list as he crossed in the corner.

A similar move took the visitors past the 20-point mark, as once again assured handling by the backs ended with the lively Holme finding space to cross for his second try which Robinson duly goaled.

Exiles pack had found the visiting eight solid, particularly at the set scrums, but at last the back division found some fluency as the ball was whipped down the line to the left where winger Loveridge, who had earlier shown a fair turn of pace, just outflanked the Evesham defence to make it to the corner for a good score.

This gave E’s a lift, and from the restart, Loughrey made a surging run, which was followed by a typical drive from Patterson. But Evesham regained possession and went downfield where Robinson extended the lead past 20 points with a penalty. In the final minute, another crisp three-quarter move from the visitors saw Holme provide as assist to Robinson who crossed in the corner for his second try.

There was no disguising a measure of disappointment for Exiles. The early scores conceded were always going to make a hard task harder. In addition to the scorers, Vasey and Holloway put in some sterling work for the home side.

Next week (Nov 21) E’s get a “breather” from league action when Five Ways Old Edwardians are the visitors.
Report By John Simpkin

Exiles Can’t Find a Way Back

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Date: Saturday November 7 2009
Competition: Midlands West 4 (South)

Dudley Wasps 17, Birmingham Exiles 7

Birmingham Exiles RUFC once more saw a good early start fail to pay dividends as their “basement battle” at Dudley Wasps ended in favour of the home side who thus picked up their first league points of the season.

E’s could hardly have started better: gaining turnover ball soon after the start, they recycled possession through half a dozen-odd phases before whipping the ball out to the left where winger Dean Loveridge showed an excellent turn of speed to outflank the defence to score in the corner. An excellent touchline conversion from Elliott Johnstone [D. Johnstone- bro. - also in side] was a bonus.

Dudley responded promptly, and were shade unfortunate to be adjudged “held up” as a maul drove over on the left. However, soon after a penalty by Wasps’ stand off George Ingram cut the hap to four points.

Under some pressure, Exiles were defending well, twice gaining turnover ball as 20 scoreless minutes elapsed. However, the lead was lost from a line out after a penalty as Dudley once more set up a rolling ball which ended with number eight Ben Henn forcing the ball down for a try which Ingram converted well. Wasps immediately attacked again down the left but E’s defence snuffed out the danger.

Close to half time however, the lively Henn found a bit too much room as he ran some 35 metres for his second touchdown which Ingram duly goaled to give the hosts a ten point lead at the break.

HT: Dudley Wasps 17 Pts, Birmingham Exiles 7

Exiles knocked on the restart for the second half, but then gained a relieving penalty at the resultant scrum.

Loveridge put in another strong run but was well tackled; then Drinkwater, whose incisive running had been a feature of E’s back play, also made a surging break but again the home defence was up to it’s task,

Then it was the turn of the visiting forwards to attempt a breakthrough; twice they took play close to the home line down the favoured left flank, but on both occasions possession was yielded at the ruck.

An intended touch finder penalty from E’s failed to find its mark, and home fullback Morgan was just tackled into touch as he dived towards the right hand corner.

There was generally little to choose between the sides throughout the second half, which remained scoreless as effective defence and mistakes in possession by both sides cancelled out any temporary advantage.

A rather frustrating afternoon for Exiles who will be looking for the early return of some notable absentees. On the positive side, Jamie Avery [B.Avery – bro. – also in side] was a commanding figure in the line out, and flanker Appleton recovered from an early “blood binning” to do some sterling work.

This Saturday [Nov. 14], Exiles’ league program continues with the visit of Evesham [k.o. 2:15]
Report By John Simpkin

Exiles Just Can’t Close the Gap

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Date: Saturday October 31 2009
Competition: Midlands West 4 (South)

Birmingham Exiles 13 pts, Coventry Welsh 15

Birmingham Exiles RUFC were once again frustrated in their quest for their fist league points of the season against the league leaders Coventry Welsh. Twice ahead, they were overhauled in the third quarter of the match and, despite a late rally, could not find the one score that would rescue the match.

Johnstone was just off target with a penalty soon after kick-off and E’s then had to withstand a Coventry attack themselves. The visitors, made a rod for their own backs throughout the game by “back chatting” the referee, and a second successive penalty awarded for this enabled home stand-off Dan Johnstone to kick the goal and nudge E’s ahead. Exiles then put pressure on Coventry, but were penalised at a ruck.

Coventry’s next attack was more productive as, from a scrum, the ball went through four pairs of hands – with a hint of a forward pass – the move ending with open side flanker Ryan Hughes touching down on the left.

After ten more scoreless minutes, Exiles regained the lead: fielding a clearance kick some thirty metres out, full back Andy Root put up a howitzer shell of an up-and-under; the Coventry defence failed to get to the ball and Root, following up, regathered and crossed for a try to make it 8-5 to the hosts.

A promising raid down the right for E’s then ended with Ben Avery [J.Avery- bro – also in side] being tackled into touch. Exiles came under further pressure just before the break, but Coventry were penalised once again.

HT: Birmingham Exiles 8 Pts, Coventry Welsh 5

Seven minutes into the second half, an Exiles attack broke down some forty metres from the Coventry line. The loose ball was hacked downfield and Coventry gained a line out five metres out. From that they set up a powerful rolling maul which rumbled across the line, resulting in a try for hooker Mark Ellis which put his side ahead again.

For the next quarter of an hour or so, Coventry were generally dominant, and E’s did well to survive a series of attacks which included a “held up” decision. But the pressure eventually told and, from a five-metre scrum, number eight Matt Carrier burrowed his way over.

Exiles refused to buckle: aided by Coventry’s repeated penalty concessions, they took play up the slope to the line where, Root took a quick tap and forced his way over for his second try. Johnstone’s conversion attempt, which would have levelled it at 15-15, drifted wide.

There was still time for E’s to save it, but Coventry were enjoying more possession and E’s put in some excellent, if frantic, defence to prevent their line being breached again, the visitors once more conceding penalties in their efforts to make victory more secure.

Given their continuing injury problems, this probably ranks as Exiles’ best league show so far, and indicates the potential for better things. E’s will look to turn the corner with a visit to Dudley Wasps next Saturday [Nov. 7]
Report By John Simpkin

Exiles Make Quick Vase Exit

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Date: Saturday October 24 2009
Competition: EDF Midlands Junior Vase – Round 2

Birmingham Exiles 8 pts, Rushden & Higham 43

Birmingham Exiles RUFC chances of a “cup run” came to nought as they found their Northants visitors, who came with a 100% reocrd for their season to date, in lively form. E’s, with a number of first choice players still on the injury list, were forced to make positional changes and, despite some gallant efforts, spent much of the game in their own half.

Rushden almost scored straight from the off, the attack ending with a forward pass; Exiles then gained a relieving penalty. Another Rushden attack soon after ended in similar fashion.

A strong run by Patterson was followed by Johnstone hacking the loose ball to the Rushden goal line where E’s gained a scrum but then conceded possession.

Twelve minutes in, the visitors posted the first points as outside centre Steve Ainge broke through following a tap penalty and his try was converted by full back Dan Sharp.

Exiles kept at it, and cut the gap with a penalty goal from Dan Johnstone. But Rushden were getting a grip on the game and a try from inside centre Jak Kirby, well goaled by Sharp plus one in the corner for left winger Darren Pickard took them 16 points clear. For E’s, a second penalty attempt by Johnstone was just off target.

HT: Birmingham Exiles 3 Pts, Rushden & Higham 19

A note of hope for Exiles at the start of the second half: outside centre Wayne Burns intercepted a loose pass and ran some 75 metres to the line, just evading his pursuers, to touch down for a try.

Rushden responded straight away; E’s failed to gather the restart and Pickard rounded off an attack to score his second try in the left corner, Sharp converting excellently from the touchline.

Despite their dominance, Rushden were tending to get on the wrong side of the referee, particularly for “backchat” and visiting scrum half Dancer was yellow carded for one such incident. For the next fifteen minutes, Exiles showed more resilience, but could not add to their score.

Three scores in the last 15 minutes, second tries for Kirby (goal Sharp) and Ainge plus one for prop Gary Flook from a rolling maul completed an emphatic win for the visitors. For E’s, Patterson was once again the pick of the pack, and Root, pressed into service at full back, worked hard all match.
Report By John Simpkin

Exiles Overhauled

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Date: Saturday October 17 2009
Competition: Midlands West 4 (South)

Birmingham Exiles 11 pts, Stoke Old Boys 19

Birmingham Exiles RUFC looked to be in with a real chance of their first league win of the season as they took the lead against Stoke Old Boys at around the hour mark. But the Coventry side regrouped and countered quickly before making the win more comfortable late on.

E’s were on the wrong end of the penalty count in the opening minutes and deep touch-finder kicks put them under strong pressure. It seemed that their line must be broken but Patterson snaffled possession from a Stoke prop as he seemed certain to touch down. Soon after there was another let off for the home side as a three-quarter move ended with a pass into touch.

The stalemate was broken after thirty minutes: a left-to-right cross kick from Morris was missed by Exiles’ defenders and Stoke’s full back James Brewerton [A.Brewerton – bro. – also in side] collected the ball and crossed for try.

Within three minutes E’s had cut the gap as stand off Dan Johnstone kicked a goal from a penalty given for a high tackle.

The remainder of the half saw the hosts under renewed pressure. A break by Old Boys Hopkins looked threatening, but once again Patterson stepped in to dispossess his opposite number close to the line, and Exiles held out until the break.

HT: Birmingham Exiles 3 Pts, Stoke Old Boys 5

With the slope in their favour, E’s began the second half brightly. Two penalties took them downfield; they won the line out and from a ruck open side flanker Russell made a storming run towards the line, before drawing J.Brewerton and offloading to inside centre Francis Pugh, impressive throughout, who crossed close to the right corner. Not long after, having done well to repel an attack in their right, Exiles took a six-point lead as Pugh struck a good, 40-metre penalty.

Stoke response was fairly prompt: a kick from defence by E’s did not find touch and a counter attack ended with burly stand-off Rob Morris crossing for a try close to the posts which he goaled himself to edge his side ahead 12-11.

Exiles earlier fluency seemed to have abated and they were conceding more penalties. The crucial score came from a scrum, as Old Boys inside centre Tom Kent burst through on an angled run which took him over the line where he cut inside to touch down; J.Brewerton converted to take the visitors eight points clear.

It seemed unlikely that E’s could get the two scores needed to rescue the match in the time remaining, but, creditably, they drew breath and battered the Stoke line for a score, if only for consolation, but nothing came.

It was a bit disappointing for an Exiles side that was missing at least two first choice players. In addition to the scorers, forwards Avery and Walters put in wholehearted efforts.

Next week [Oct. 24] Exiles host Norhants side Rushden & Higham in a friendly
Report By John Simpkin

Exiles Lose Their Way

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Date: Saturday October 10 2009
Competition: Midlands West 4 (South)

Alcester 35 pts, Birmingham Exiles 5

Exiles started the match with purpose, hitting Alcester hard from the first whistle. This quietened the Alcester home crowd who were celebrating the club’s 50th jubilee.

Exiles finally got a reward from their running rugby with a try from stand in winger Andy Vasey. It was a whole-team effort, with superb forward play setting up the backs who hit the opposition with fast, hard running. This put Vasey in a one-on-one situation with his opposing winger who at one point must have thought he had his man covered, but fast, nimble footwork from the Exiles winger gave him space to score in the corner.

E's continued to dominate but failed to add to their score. This was to prove crucial as, with ten minutes to go before half time, Alcester hit back with a breakaway try which was converted. This was the start of bad things for the visitors as Exiles failed to re-ignite their game.

With an already depleted side, injuries in key positions were taking their toll didn’t help E’s chances to come back. Alcester continued to control the game in the second half and scored four further converted tries to confirm an emphatic win, keep their unbeaten home record and stay top of the table.

Not a pretty game for Exiles and one to forget. It was “ bad day at the office” but at least showed that there is no reason Exiles cannot compete at this new, higher level.

Next week [Oct. 17] Exiles host Stoke Old Boys from Coventry in a league fixture
Report By Andy Root

Exiles Pipped at the Post in League Opener

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Date: Saturday September 26 2009
Competition: Midlands West 4 (South)

Birmingham Exiles 15 pts, Rugby Welsh 17

Birmingham Exiles RUFC opened their league campaign against Rugby Welsh, fellow promotees, along with E’s, from a lower division last season, with a performance that, on another day might have given them a win. Their dominance at the scrums was near total, but the possession thus gained was not fully exploited and E’s ultimately paid the price.

The hosts gave notice of their intention by taking the first scrum against the head; this set the pattern, and the visiting eight were given an uncomfortable time all match. However the back division was not capitalising, with forward passes and knock-on's spoiling promising positions.

Exiles did well to survive two short-range, but fortunately un-kickable, penalties. Then an astute kick caused Rugby to concede a five-metre scrum, but E’s were penalised at the next ruck.

The Rugby backs were a bit more penetrative and a break up the left flank was switched the width of the field and ended with right-winger Richard Burnett crossing in the corner for a try.

An opportunist score brought Exiles level. A deep kick down the right was gathered but the Rugby winger completely miscued his clearance kick straight to E’s second rower Avery who found prop Dave “Psycho” Poles in support and the latter drove over.

Exiles’ best spell of the match followed and, from another dominant scrum, they went ahead. Root made a blindside break and, from a very untidy ruck, the loose ball was picked up by Gareth “Chunk” Holloway who went over from short range.

Before half time came a pivotal point in the match. Rugby’s stand off Darren Wade broke clear some 30 metres out and, as he was about to cross between the posts, was tackled too high by E’s winger Allen. Having yellow-carded Allen for the offence, the referee awarded a penalty try, and scrum half James Buckland kicked the straight-on conversion to restore the visitors’ lead. HT: Birmingham Exiles 10 Pts, Rugby Welsh 12

The second half resumed with much the same pattern as before, with E’s backs often unable to bring off the final pass, but with the forwards still dominating the scrums; Rugby lost Wade, having a rough day of it, with a shoulder injury; strong running from the Rugby forwards took them downfield by the attack failed with a knock on; Buckland missed a penalty for Rugby.

A relieving penalty took E’s to the Rugby line, and, when it seemed he must score, Woodward was held up over the line. But another penalty soon after did pay off as the ball was moved on the narrow side where left winger Steve Askins found just enough space to cross in the corner for a try. Crucially – as it turned out - Elliott Johnstone’s conversion attempt just dipped under the crossbar.

Exiles now led 15-12. With barely three minutes left, Rugby spurned a penalty attempt that would have levelled the score. Instead, gaining ground from the kick, they launched an attack down E’s left flank that saw second rower Phil Tipping, whose strong running in open play had tested E’s throughout the match, go past his would-be tacklers to touch down in the corner.

In the odd minute or so remaining, Exiles tried to snatch victory, but it was not to be. Given the amount of possession they enjoyed, victory would have been E’s if they had used it better. Nevertheless it was still Exiles best show so far and, all in all, a draw would not have been unjust

Next week [Oct. 3] Exiles host Old Salts in a friendly.
Report By John Simpkin

Exiles Getting Better – But still lose

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Date: Saturday 19 September 2009

Camp Hill 2nds 16 Pts, Birmingham Exiles 5

Despite an incrementally better performance in most aspects of their play, Birmingham Exiles RUFC could not find a winning formula against Camp Hill 2nds. The senior XV at Camps play three leagues higher than E’s, so their second XV looked likely to provide strong opposition, which they duly did.

Exiles pressed early, but then the loss of ball on a turnover saw Camps take play all the way to the visitors’ line. The home pack rumbled over, but a knock on as a score was being attempted let E’s off the hook. Exiles took the five-metre scrum well but then conceded turnover ball again; once more Camps forwards crossed the line, but were held up.

E’s defended well from the subsequent scrum but were giving away too many penalties and Camps’ stand off and skipper Liam Morrissey opened the scoring with a goal from one of these after fifteen minutes. Eight minutes on and Morrissey’s second penalty goal doubled the tally.

Exiles had had their share of possession without turning it into points, but came back straight away. Drinkwater, alert at outside centre, spotted space behind the defence on the left, put in a neat chip which he regathered, and found stand off Dan Johnstone [E.Johnstone – bro. – also in side] on his right shoulder to take the pass and touch down. E.Johnstone’s conversion attempt was just off target, but the gap was now just one point.

Camps stepped up the pace and pulled away again on the half hour mark: scrum half Ben Simon went over from the base of a ruck for a try that Morrissey converted.

HT: Camp Hill 2nds 13 pts Birmingham Exiles 5

At the start of the second half, the match still looked to be there for the taking by either side. Both teams were defending well but making errors when in possession, as well as being penalised frequently.

Exiles pack, the equals of the home eight at the set scrum, was providing the backs with some quality ball. A scrum taken against the head provided E’s with probably their best opportunity of the half as the ball was moved down the back line, but a pass was intercepted – although knocked on – and the chance went.

Camps put in a lively raid down the left flank but a thunderous tackle from Exiles’ lock Loughrey bundled the winger into touch. However, as the hour marked passed, another penalty goal from Morrissey eased Camps further ahead.

The final quarter saw defences dominating. Both sides mounted attacks by the back division, and both failed on knock-ons at the last. E’s flanker Patterson made a fine break, but lacked support as he was tackled. At the end of a rather stuttering half, the resultant win for Camps was about right.

This was Exiles last fixture before they start their league program at home to Rugby Welsh next Saturday [26th]. It will be a tough opening, and E’s improving but unsuccessful displays to date will have to go up a gear to gain any reward.

Exiles Lose But Improve

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Date: Saturday 12 September 2009

Rugeley 29 Pts, Birmingham Exiles 5

Birmingham Exiles RUFC ‘s second pre-league “warm up” match saw them lose for the second week in a row but, despite the margin of defeat being greater in this match, there was a marked improvement in performance from a side that is still some way below full strength.

An early loss of a lineout on their own throw put E’s under pressure as Rugeley attacked with vigour. They kept the ball alive and, although the move looked to have at least one forward pass, the last pass was true enough as it went to right-winger Danny Leone who scored in the corner.

Exiles responded setting up a good attack from e penalty but then conceding a penalty themselves; they then gained good ground with another touch finder penalty only to concede a free kick at the lineout.

Two penalty attempts, by Elliott Johnstone (D.Johnstone, bro. also in side) for E’s and by Bryantt for Rugeley were just off target.

Just before the break, the hosts spurned a kickable penalty, choosing to tap and go, the move ending with open side flanker Matt Willaston touching down in the right corner. HT: Rugeley 10 pts Birmingham Exiles 0

Exiles brought on new boys Loughrey and Woodward as forward substitutes in the second half and the extra power showed, particularly at the set scrums. But, having won a scrum against the head, E’s lost possession; the hosts counterattacked well but, with Exiles defence rather exposed, a loose kick that went “dead” let them off the hook.

The visitors' defence was broken again by a strong run from stand off Sam Howard who broke clear, just evaded his pursuers and went between the posts for a try converted by scrum half Nicky Bryantt.

Exiles, though, were still full of running and a last gained reward for their efforts as a storming run from Holloway, in fine form and gaining frequent turnover ball, set up a position from which the ball went out to the left where winger Adam Kesterton took the final pass to score in the corner; E.Johnstone’s goal attempt fell just short.

Rugeley’s response was prompt, the lively Howard profiting from an earlier knock on by E’s to once again show a good turn of pace and go over in the right corner. A good-looking attack by Exiles that seemed certain to yield a score was brought back for a knock on. Rugeley then rounded off the scoring following a penalty and lineout that saw Willaston break through E’s defence for his second try which Bryantt goaled

It was a much improved showing up front for Exiles, particularly at the scrum; the backs too showed some deft handling at times but, a bit too often, the last pass was not held or went astray. In addition to those mentioned, Andy Vasey put in a noteworthy performance at scrum half. Work to do, but moving in the right direction.

[Exiles’ fixture for next Saturday [Sept. 12] TBA]

Exiles Early Exit from Cup

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Date: Saturday 5 September 2009
North Midlands Cup – Round 1

Warley 27 Pts, Birmingham Exiles 16

Birmingham Exiles RUFC made an early exit from the North Midlands Cup at Warley. The home side had given E’s one of their toughest contest in the league last season and on this day they used their much bigger pack to maximum effect, the forwards setting the platform for a first half show that Exiles, despite a better second 40 minutes, never really looked like matching.

Exiles did take the lead soon after kick off; the home side conceded a penalty for offside as they fielded the kick and E’s inside centre Elliott Johnstone [D.Johnstone – bro. – also in side] landed the goal. The rest of the half, though, was decisively Warley’s. From a tap penalty move some ten metres out, number eight Jay Rawlins took a short pass to go over close to the posts, full back John Taylor converting.

Taylor increased the home side’s lead soon after with a penalty after Exiles were caught offside. Exiles cut the gap to four with a second well struck penalty from E. Johnstone but the visitors were having a tough time of it in the forward battle, particularly at the set scrums. Having been shoved backwards on one of their own scrums, E’s were dispossessed on their goal line and prop Hugh Fyfield touched down wide on the right; Taylor’s conversion was just on target.

Scoring for the half was completed when from another solid scrum for the hosts, the ball was worked down the blind side where winger Dave Smith crossed in the corner.



HT: Warley 22 pts Birmingham Exiles 6



A third penalty from E.Johnstone soon after the break gave E’s a glimmer of home. But soon after, they were undone again as they lost another scrum against the head. Exiles did recover possession and Drinkwater made a darting break, but then the ball was lost and a counterattack ended with outside centre Kazh Redding going over from a try in the right corner.

Whatever else, though, E’s were lasting the pace at least as well as the home side and, with little to lose, attacked from close to their own line; however, they were forced into touch on their own “22”. Soon after, Exiles launched another attack up the right flank, but this ended with winger Austin going down with a knee injury as he was passing the ball and having to leave the field immediately afterwards.

E’s were showing more determination in both attack and defence, and a slightly fortuitous penalty gave them an opportunity. From a “tap” some ten metres out, the bulk of the pack centre field were effectively used as a decoy, and the ball was worked to the left where blind side flanker Hayden Patterson, the most effective of the visiting forwards, drove over for a try which was well converted by E.Johnstone. It was Exiles’ only trip to the Warley line and the score came too late to affect the outcome.

It was a rather low-key opening show by E’s who need quickly to rediscover some of the vibrancy that they had last season. Aside from the scorers, Askins put in a sound display at scrum half, despite the reversals of his forwards.