BIRMINGHAM and Solihull Bees have been crowned Counties 3 Midlands West (South) champions after the Bees received a home walkover against Pershore and other results went their way.
Solihull were left disappointed after opponents Pershore cried off the night before their scheduled match only for Harbury’s 23-0 defeat at Coventrians to confirm the Bees as league champions.
The results mean that Solihull have an unassailable 19-point lead over second-placed Rugby Welsh at the top of the Counties 3 Midlands West (South) table.
With their league fixture a walkover, University of Birmingham Engineers stepped up to provide the Bees with a test at Portway in front of the largest crowd of the season.
And a much-changed Bees side took an early lead when Harry Garrett touched down in the corner although the conversion into the wind was missed.
Solihull increased their lead with a superb flowing move that ended with Jonnie Mills crashing over the line under the posts with stand-in kicker Ryan Sleaford adding the conversion.
The home side scored their third try as Alex Groves dotted down to continue his fine season with Sleaford adding the extras.
However, Engineers pushed forward and scored a converted try off the back of some superb attacking play just before half time.
The Bees responded after the break when Dec O’Brien went on a fine run to score in the corner in what was just his second appearance of the season due to injury.
Engineers scored their second converted try soon after before PJ Hatch scored under the posts for Solihull and captain Jonny Higgins missed the conversion.
The scoring was completed in style as Mills drove over the line for his second try following a stunning move which was converted by Higgins to secure a 34-14 victory.
Higgins praised the coaching team, support staff, volunteers and supporters for all playing their part in the Bees success this season as the club celebrated their Ladies Day and new bar opening in the best possible fashion.
Birmingham and Solihull are next in action at home to Birmingham Exiles on Saturday, February 25 with kick-off at 2.15pm at Portway.
