Bulldogs Just Fail to Snatch Victory

A Score Too Far

Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League FC journeyed north to Mansfield for their first-ever meeting with distinctively named new outfit Sherwood Wolf Hunt. Brum’s squad was light numbers-wise though there was no shortage of ability. Wolf Hunt were fully stocked, with bulk in both forwards and backs.

The contrast led to an intense and absorbing match.

Bulldogs attacked early but to no avail. Wolf Hunt, in contrast, scored a well-converted try on their first trip to the line.

Brum redoubled their efforts, gaining two penalties in their opponents half. They opted to run both but no points came. A further attack ended when a pass to the wing went into touch.

The home side then had a player sin-binned, but made light of it and scored an unconverted try.

Another good attack from Brum failed on a knock on. At last, on their next attack Bulldogs struck pay dirt: a great break by Evans saw him supply an assist to Josh Walker - in impressive from - who crashed over close too the posts giving Danny Bancroft a straightforward conversion to round off the first half.

HT: Sherwood Wolf Hunt 10, Birmingham Bulldogs 6

Wolf Hunt struck early in the second half with a converted try from close range.

The match, which had been physical from the off, became even more intense as the hosts scored another try from s scrum that might have been Brum’s. No matter, a good conversion put the home side 22-6 ahead.

Back came Brum: Mitch Carless forced his way over in the right corner for a try to which Bancroft added a great goal. Wolf Hunt responded with another unconverted try to move the score out to 26-12.

Bulldogs, though, were now scenting the possibility of a win and tries from Adam Bromley and Steve Ivic, the latter well goaled by Bancroft cut the gap to just four points. Brum did all they could to grab a late win, but time ran out.

The result was tough on Bulldogs; a draw would not have been unjust.

Josh Walker, rampant on attack, was Bulldogs’ man-of the match, with Kev Wilson and Nick Evans in contention.

Next Saturday [June 6] Bulldogs are at away at Coventry Dragons (Kick off 2:30)