PJ HATCH’s first-half try helped Birmingham and Solihull Bees to a hard fought 8-3 victory away at Bedworth in a low-scoring affair.
Bees Head Coach James Panter was forced to name himself on the bench due to their ever-growing injury list.
And the visitors eventually edged into a three-point lead on 22 minutes when Ryan Sleaford kicked a penalty from 30-yards out.
Bees made more than 60 tackles in the first period before they were penalised for offside which allowed Bedworth’s fly-half to level the scores.
However, Solihull scored what would prove to be the game’s only try just before half time when Hatch dotted down after fine work from Lewis Edwards.
Bees defended valiantly in the second period to keep Bedworth at bay with the forwards well marshalled by Liam Dunne who produced a disciplined display.
Bedworth conceded penalties at crucial periods as Edwards kicked Bees to safety up the pitch with chances for Hatch and Harry Garrett squandered with neither player able to take the game out of the home side’s reach.
And Bedworth were camped on the Bees line for the remaining five minutes before Panter turned the ball over and won a penalty which allowed Edwards to kick into touch and secure a narrow victory.
The win means Solihull lead the Counties 3 Midlands West (South) table by seven points although second-placed Rugby Welsh have a game in hand.
Bees captain Jonny Higgins said: “It was an extremely tight and physical game and was won by the boys being disciplined for 80 minutes.”
Solihull are next in action at home to Upton-on-Severn on Saturday, December 10 with kick-off at 2.15pm at Portway.
