BIRMINGHAM and Solihull Bees took a major step towards promotion with a 42-17 bonus point win at local rivals Old Yardleians.
Harry Garratt crossed twice with further scores from Lewis Edwards, Ciaran Goosen and Jonny Higgins as the Bees secured an impressive victory at Tilehouse Lane.
The result means the Bees lead the Counties 3 Midlands West (South) table by 14 points with a game in hand on second placed Rugby Welsh who were beaten by Stoke Old Boys.
And Solihull made the perfect start when Edwards sidestepped past two defenders and scored under the posts before he converted his own try and kicked a penalty to put the Bees into a 10-point lead.
The home side responded with a breakaway try only for Goosen to finish off a fine Bees move and Edwards’ conversion to increase the gap between the two teams.
And another quick score from Higgins put Solihull firmly in command at the break as the centre dotted down the try of the day after great work from Goosen.
The Bees struck straight from kick-off in the second period as a lovely move between the backs, marshalled by Edwards, ended with Higgins passing to Garratt who scored in the corner.
And Garratt scored his second try moments later when he rounded off another flowing move with Edwards adding the conversion.
The Bees were forced into three changes due to injury which allowed Old Yardleians to score two unconverted tries.
And Solihull defended their 22 well for the remainder of the game as a late Ryan Sleaford penalty completed the scoring.
Bees are next in action at home to Pershore on Saturday, February 18 with kick-off at 2.15pm at Portway.
