BIRMINGHAM and Solihull Bees began the New Year with a hard-fought come-from-behind 20-16 win against Coalville.
The Bees won the game thanks to two second-half tries from Deaglan O’Brien after Cormach Papirnik crossed early on at Portway.
And the result means Solihull sit fifth in the Counties 2 Midlands West (East) table.
Bees were without a number of first team players, including influential fly half Lewis Edwards, as Solihull looked to avenge their last gasp defeat at Coalville earlier in the season.
And Solihull made a bright start as O’Brien broke through two tackles before racing away down the right wing and drawing in the Coalville full back with allowed Papirnik to touch down with Oli Nesbitt adding the extras.
Coalville responded with an unconverted try in the corner soon after before Nesbitt kicked a penalty to extend Solihull’s lead to five points.
However, the visitors kicked two penalties of their own before half time to take a one-point lead into the break with the Bees punished for their ill-discipline.
The Bees restored their lead in the second half as O’Brien scored two excellent tries using his pace and strength to beat the Coalville defence on the outside although Solihull were unable to convert either try.
Solihull pushed for a bonus point score before Coalville pounced on a mistake to grab a consolation try at the death.
Birmingham and Solihull Bees are next in action at home to Walsall II on Saturday, January 13 with kick-off at 2.15pm at Portway.
