BIRMINGHAM and Solihull Bees suffered a late 22-17 home defeat against Southam in their first game for over a month.
Tries from Joe Davies and Mikey Essex along with seven points from the boot of Ryan Sleaford proved in vain at Portway.
And the result means Solihull sit ninth in the Counties 2 Midlands West (East) table.
The Bees fielded a scratch XV with three replacements as they took to the field for the first time since December 21.
Despite making a strong start, Southam broke away to score the game’s first try against the run of play.
However, the home side reduced the deficit when Sleaford kicked a penalty.
The visitors scored their second try following another rare break up the pitch to leave the Bees trailing by seven points at the interval.
And Southam scored a third unconverted try at the start of the second half despite losing a player to the sin-bin.
The Bees responded soon after with a well-worked move as captain Davies marked his 50th appearance for the club with a try as Sleaford converted from the touchline.
Sleaford missed a penalty attempt from 40-yards out before Essex rode a couple of tackles and touched down out wide with Sleaford again adding the extras to put the Bees in front.
However, with minutes left to play, Southam crossed for a converted try with the Bees forced to settle for a losing bonus point.
Birmingham and Solihull Bees are next in action against bottom club Old Wheatleyans on Saturday, February 1 with kick-off at 2.15pm at Norman Place Road.
