1st XV vs Birmingham C.S (A) Midlands 4 WS

The Wheats travelled to Solihull to take on Birmingham Civil Service (BCS) in the 3rd round of league fixtures. With both teams taking a maximum of 10 points from their first two games, the game was eagerly anticipated – SOMETHING HAD TO GIVE.

Preparation was thrown into disarray with Tom-Tom Thomason confusing Solihull with Lichfield and travelling an hour in the wrong direction. The trio finally arrived 10 minutes before kick-off and took their place on the bench.

So the starting line-up that had changed so frequently during the week, was; Chunky, Jack and Dom in the front row, Sid and Baz in the second row, Hero, Marco and the returning Lee Harrison made up the pack in the back row. Lowey at 9 partnered the returning Bobby at half-back, the versatile Dan Nolan switched from 15 to 12, D-Day at 13, Dru and Josh on the wings and Ross at 15.

With the temperature approaching 30 degrees, an expectant crowd were treated to a fast-paced, powerful opening 10 minutes. BCS had the upper hand at scrum time but the Wheats lineout was working well and securing ball.

The Wheats were falling foul of the referees whistle and BCS opened the scoring from one such penalty to take a 3-0 lead. No surprise there as the Wheats have been behind in the previous 3 games too.

Lowey stepped up to CARESS the ball through the posts and bring the scores back level.

On the 15 minute mark, D-Day opened the try-scoring taking 2 defenders over the line after a MAZY and POWERFUL run. Lowey converted BEAUTIFULLY to put the Wheats 10-3 up.

Both sides were guilty of turning over ball in contact and coupled with the Wheats propensity to give away penalties there was little pattern to the game. Further Wheats infringements were penalised and BCS cut the deficit to just 1 point by kicking 2 – the score was now 10-9.

Lee Harrison was getting plenty of ball in hand in the loose and on one such occasion he was able to BARGE his way over for a 5 pointer, Lowey STROKED the conversion over and the Wheats were 17-9 up.

The next score was going to be crucial and would go a long way to determining who would be victorious. After BUTCHERING a previous opportunity by ignoring an overlap, the Snake WRIGGLED over for a great score, Lowey FONDLED over the extras - 24-9.

Half-time came and improving discipline, looking after the ball in contact and playing territory was the order of the day.

A good start to the half saw the Wheats pressurising the BCS line, only solid defence keeping them from crossing. The Wheats were awarded a penalty in front of the posts which Lowey DISPATCHED with APLOMB – 27-9 up.

It was great, once again, to have real impact from the bench, particularly in the heat. Changes were made and the team wasn’t weakened at all – BRILLIANT to see!

The remainder of the match was just absolute SPIRIT, DETERMINATION and DOG from the Wheats. BCS threw literally everything they had, including a few HANDBAGS, but every time they attacked they got BLOWN AWAY as BOSH after BOSH came in from the resilient Wheats. Quite simply, there was NO WAY BCS were going to score as the Wheats defended their line with such PRIDE and PASSION.

The Wheats were rewarded for their defensive efforts with 2 excellent tries from Dan Nolan, who impressed with his strong running all game – BOOM BOOM. Lowey’s DELICIOUS right foot converted both and the Wheats came out victorious by 41 points to 9.

Great performances from 1 to 20, clinical finishing, incredible defence and spirit and a fantastic result – the Club is growing and developing every week.

Played 3, won 3 and the Wheats sit atop the table with a maximum 15 points.

Final Score: Wheats 41 - 9 Birmingham CS

Tries: Nolan (2), Harrison L, Harrison R and Day

Conversions: Lowe (5 from 5)

Penalties: Lowe (2 from 2)

Match Report by Mase