Nuneaton Old Eds 20 Silhillians 16

A STUNNING and dominant display of forward power, ruthless defence and some thrilling back play saw Eds to victory against a side who beat them by 19 points earlier in the season.

This win leaves Eds still bottom but one in the table but a bonus-point win at bottom club Yardleians on Saturday will see Eds go above both Southam and Balsall & Berkswell.
And the chances of that are highly likely after the thrashing Eds handed the Birmingham side before Christmas.
Driving rain and a slippery ball made it an uncomfortable afternoon for both sides and although Eds dominated the early exchanges they found themselves 10-0 down within seven minutes before the fightback began.
Sils had started with a simple penalty on five minutes and nine minutes later drove over from a scrum close in.
The conversion took them into double figures and there was some dismay among the Weddington faithful.
Eds went straight back on the attack and the forwards gathered to orchestrate a pushover try from some distance.
Front-row man Sean Haberfield was the man in possession over the line. Fly-half Tom Short cut the deficit to three points with a confident conversion.
Eds winger Luke Roberts was forced off with a facial injury and Tim Smith took his place.
On 25 minutes Eds full-back Sam Southall was yellow-carded for offside when he intercepted a pass close to the Eds line and looked clear for a long-distance run to the visitors' posts.
The referee had other ideas, showed Southall the card and Sils were now 13-7 to the good with a penalty.
As the rain sluiced down and half-time approached Sils lost a forward for 10 minutes for a maul infringement, Eds called a scrum and from the ensuing maul they drove forward again for another pushover try. Haberfield was again the scorer - 13-12 to Sils..
Just before the break came the try of the match. Eds backs were in possession near the halfway line, centre Craig Jones made ground and found winger Duncan Parkinson roaring up outside him to take the pass and crash over in the corner. A brilliant move in muddy, wet conditions.
Short missed the kick but Eds were now ahead 17-13 as the whistle blew for the break.
A minute after resumption Short landed a penalty to make it 20-13 to Eds as rain began to take its toll on worthwhile handling from both sides.
Second-row Paul Levin made way for Brandon Carter and Eds were soon guilty of wasting an opportunity by going offside on the visitors' 22.
Eds second-row Ryan Singh was penalised for kicking the ball away after Sils were given a penalty and they made good use of the extra 10 yards awarded by landing a penalty, still from some distance, and at 20-16 to Eds there was everything to play for.
Haberfield was generously applauded by the home fans for his try-scoring achievements on 64 minutes when he was replaced by Gareth Cartwright.
Spectators held their collective breath two minutes later when Eds had the put-in at a scrum under their posts but a clean heel gave scrum-half Brad Darlaston the chance to find a safe touch.
But Eds were not safe yet. Sils fought their way back upfield and with three minutes left went for the kill. But they infringed at a line-out and Short cleared to touch.
Extra time came and once again Sils looked threatening at a line-out on the home 22. But the ball went loose and an Eds boot hacked the ball into touch.
Cue jubilation for Eds players and spectators alike.

Paul Webb