BIRMINGHAM Bulldogs produced a valiant performance but in the end the North East Worcester Ravens proved too strong in Saturday’s Midland League encounter as the visitors ran away with a 28-42 victory.
The Bulldogs went into their final league fixture determined to reverse an earlier loss to their league rivals in the campaign, and to begin with that could have been on the cards.
The hosts scored six tries in the opening six minutes thanks to Adam Booth and Mike Florey, with both being converted by James Latham.
However, as the half progressed the Ravens’ finishing proved to be the more incisive as they crossed for three tries, the last of which was converted as they opened up a narrow two-point lead.
Both teams then shared a try apiece, with Glen Farnham crossing for the Bulldogs who briefly regained the lead before the visitors hit back again to hold a 16-18 lead the half-way stage.
The Ravens upped their game after the break and two quick scores, both of which were converted, helped open a 14-point gap.
Despite the deficit, the hosts proceeded to give it all they had with Tom Lea and a few minutes later Adam Booth crossing for his second try.
Chris Crutchley added the goal points to bring the Bulldogs back to within just one score.
But by this point they had given it their all and the visitors had enough in their locker to score two further converted tries to win the match by 14 points.
