Rugby Union
Exiles hold on to overcome Copsewood

Copsewood 15 Birmingham Exiles 17

Midlands Five West (South)

EXILES survived a late score to complete a league double over Copsewood with the hosts almost grabbing a draw, only to see a late conversion attempt come back off the bar.

The afternoon got off to the perfect start for the visitors as they instantly regained possession after kicking off and worked the ball left where outside centre Dylan Baker went over in the corner.

Ben Griffin's penalty put the first three points on the board for the home side and cut the gap to 5-3, how it remained until half time.

Beginning the second half in confident mood, Exiles extended their lead when Calum McGee went past two defenders to touch down for a try converted by Alex Warrillow.

Second row Jamie Avery stretched the lead further when Exiles passed up a kick at goal having been awarded a penalty and it proved the correct decision as a good drive from the pack helped secure another five points.

Leading 17-3, the visitors now had a two-score margin, but any ideas that the rest of the match would be easy were swiftly put to bed.

Copsewood reapplied themselves and an down the right ended with Simon Jackson crossing for Griffin to convert and set up a grandstand finish.

With the wind in their sails, Copsewood powered forward again and once again their pack produced the goods with second row David Bissett going over for a try.

Griffin's conversion was huge given the two-point gap between the sides and it appeared it was just going to go over the posts, only to hit the woodwork and bounce out, leaving Exiles both relieved and victorious.

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