Match Report
SOUTHAM 17 - BIRMINGHAM SOLIHULL 49
It was great to get back to seeing some rugby, and the added incentive of a Dinos lunch certainly whetted the appetite even more.

Before moving on to the game itself, it would be remiss not to praise the fantastic response to the adversities thrown our way at the back end of the week. Lucy was unfortunately laid low with flu and our finely laid plans were suddenly out of the window. Thankfully, the setback was brief, with a multitude of offers of help ensuring everything was back on track in no time at all.

The well-oiled plan swung into action early on Saturday morning, with Arv sorting the spuds and getting the fires burning. By 10:00, head chef Leahy had recruited “Nigella” King, and between them a culinary delight was evolving before our very eyes.

As ever, the cheese board was paramount to a successful Dinos lunch, and who better than Gorgonzola Porter to get the taste buds dancing — and boy, he certainly delivered. The President donned the pinny and was immaculate in his dishing-up role, while Jo and Frank led the washing-up team superbly. The girls behind the bar worked tirelessly to keep everyone hydrated throughout the afternoon.

A massive thank you to everyone involved for ensuring yet another hugely successful Dinos lunch. We were also fortunate to have some wonderful raffle prizes donated, with many thanks to Andy, Alan, Tony, Sumo, Jim, Simon, Tim (and apologies if anyone has been missed) for your generosity.

Onto the Game
Pre-match expectations were reasonably high, with coach Andy Ford able to field a strong line-up. However, previous encounters with Bees meant we knew a tough challenge was imminent.

Some excellent work at the breakdown early on gave Charlie Munro the chance to open the scoring from the tee. He stroked the ball perfectly between the uprights and we were off and running. Bees responded strongly, retaining possession well before their powerful forwards crashed over under the posts. Inexplicably, the conversion was dragged wide, setting the tone for a mixed afternoon from the visitors’ kicker.

Another error soon presented Bees with a second try, this time the conversion proving successful from the touchline via the crossbar. Enterprising rugby from us then forced a penalty, which Munro punched accurately into the corner. From the resulting line-out, the athleticism of Charlie Gilkes saw him drive over for a lovely training-ground try. Munro was again successful from out wide and, at 10–12 midway through the half, it was all to play for.

Unfortunately, we then began to become the architects of our own downfall. Loose play and an inability to stay on the right side of the referee gifted possession and territory to the opposition. Bees moved through the gears and their cohesive patterns of play resulted in two further tries in quick succession, both converted.

To the lads’ credit, they responded well. Good field position and slick hands from Hewson and Badger Farrell opened the way for Will Hallam to put the finishing touches on a fine move. Munro once again added the extras to make it 17–26 and very much game on. A late penalty for Bees brought the half to a close.

The second half, unfortunately, was not our best. The visitors began to exert their quality, helped by some distinctly average rugby from ourselves. Four unconverted tries for Bees, compared to a blank sheet for us, completed the scoring and saw the visitors run out deserved winners.

There was plenty of travelling support, who were highly complimentary about our hospitality and stayed around long after the final whistle, putting some very welcome finances behind the bar.

The result was not what we were hoping for, but there were encouraging moments throughout the afternoon and plenty to build on. Attention now turns quickly to the next challenge, with the squad keen to regroup and put in a strong performance away at Bromsgrove next week.

Let’s put this game behind us and move on. Come on lads, let’s rise to the occasion.

2nd XV Update
A brief caveat for our 2nd XV who lost away at Rugby St Andrews by 32–24. By all accounts it was a strong team effort, with the boys giving everything on the day. Camaraderie was excellent and, despite the defeat, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.

The 2nd XV have no fixture next week but return to action at home on 31st January, when they welcome Nuneaton.