INJURY-ravaged Birmingham and Solihull Bees suffered a 57-5 defeat away at title-challenging Earlsdon as the visitors finished the game with only 12 players on the pitch.
The Bees only try came courtesy of Harry Garrett as injuries took their toll on George Littlechild’s squad at Mitchell Avenue.
And the result means Solihull sit ninth in the Counties 2 Midlands West (East) table.
The visitors were unable to name a full bench due to a mounting injury crisis and unavailability while former captain Jonny Higgins returned to the side after a 16-month absence.
In-form Earlsdon scored the game’s first try after just six minutes and dotted down again soon after against the run of play.
However, the Bees then lost Ali Cook to the sin-bin while full-back Brad Sinclair fell awkwardly and sustained a season-ending MCL injury.
Despite playing with a man less, the Bees scored their only try when Garrett scored out wide following a flowing move which began inside their own 22 with Littlechild unable to kick the conversion.
Earlsdon kicked a penalty to stretch their lead before the Bees had to replace Jack Allen due to a clash of heads, leaving the bench bare.
This forced the Bees to reshuffle the pack and Earlsdon dotted down twice more before the break to take the game away from the visitors.
Solihull started the second half on the front foot only for the home side to intercept a pass and sprint the length of the pitch to score under the posts.
Earlsdon touched down again soon after before the Bees lost both Ali Cook and Mikey Essex to injury while Calum Antonio was sent to the sin-bin to leave the visitors down to 12 players for the remainder of the match.
And the home side crossed for two further tries on another tough afternoon for the Bees.
Birmingham and Solihull Bees are next in action against Southam on Saturday, December 7 with kick-off at 2.15pm at Portway.
