LEWIS Edwards’ 14-point haul guided Birmingham and Solihull Bees to a 29-17 bonus point win against Kings Norton as the Bees secured a 10th successive victory.
Edwards started and completed the scoring as he crossed for the game’s first try before Adam Boot, Harry Garrett and Jack Allan all touched down for the Bees at Portway.
The result means Solihull remain top of the Counties 3 Midlands West (South) table, 10 points clear of closest challengers Rugby Welsh.
Bees started the game with a new centre partnership between Ciaran Goosen and Cole Elleman with the former returning after five months out through injury.
And Solihull were on the front foot from kick-off as Edwards intercepted a pass and raced away underneath the posts before converting his own try.
The Bees extended their lead when Boot crossed for his first Solihull try after he broke from the base of a ruck and sidestepped past a number of Kings Norton defenders with Edwards kicking the conversion.
Several big tackles from Ryan Sleaford, Joe Davies and the returning Alex Groves prevented Kings Norton from reaching the Bees line before the visitors kicked a penalty to finally trouble the scoreboard.
However, the Bees scored their third try with a move straight from the training ground as the ball was shifted out wide to Garrett who dotted down under the posts with Edwards adding the extras.
Kings Norton upped their game after the break and scored their first try from a penalty close to the line after Bees debutant Ryan Phealan was sent to the sin bin.
And the visitors struck again soon after to cut the deficit to four points only for Edwards to take control of the game as he expertly kicked for territory and orchestrated the play.
Bees hooker Mikey Essex made a number of crucial turnovers to frustrate the opposition before Allan came off the bench to score after quick hands from Edwards to set up the try.
And Edwards rounded off a superb individual performance with a penalty late to take the Bees 10 points clear at the top of the table.
The Bees are next in action away at Old Yardleians on Saturday, February 11 with kick-off at 2.15pm at Tilehouse Lane.
