Sat 8 Mar 2025
Match Report:
Earlsdon secured a well-earned 22-12 victory away at Birmingham & Solihull on Saturday after a week of clear preparation. However, it was the home side that started the fastest, dominating early possession in midfield before crossing for the game’s opening try. The conversion was missed, leaving Earlsdon trailing 5-0.
The match then ebbed and flowed, with both teams creating chances. Earlsdon had two golden 2v1 opportunities, but errors in the final pass saw them go begging. Despite these missed chances, it was clear that the away side was beginning to gain the upper hand in the set-piece.
That dominance soon paid off when a well-executed attacking kick was chased down and touched down by Will Haywood, with McHugh adding the extras to put Earlsdon ahead 7-5 at halftime.
The second half started in a similar vein, but this time Earlsdon were able to maintain control. Strong width and excellent work from Walsh stretched the Birmingham defence, allowing Haywood to cross for his second try of the game. With momentum on their side, Earlsdon turned the screw, and a well-worked move saw Bramwell power over to extend the lead to 17-5.
As the game edged towards its conclusion, debutant Taylor Maher made an immediate impact with a perfectly timed kick-and-chase, outpacing the defence and crashing over for Earlsdon’s fourth try, securing the bonus point.
Birmingham managed a late consolation try, capitalising on tired bodies and broken tackles to finish the game 22-12, but it wasn’t enough to threaten Earlsdon’s deserved victory.
Post-match, coach Jon Fitt reflected on the performance:
"At times, things aren’t always perfect, but good teams find a way to win ugly. Birmingham were much improved from when we played them at home, and credit must go to their coaching team for that development. With three games to go, we need to keep focusing on our basics, looking after the ball, and executing under pressure. Some of the work we put in during the week really showed today, and overall, I’m delighted with the victory, which keeps us in second place."
A solid win on the road, and now all eyes turn to our next crucial fixture against Coalville RFC on 22nd March.
Man of the Match: Logan Walsh
Earlsdon RFC 22 - 12 Birmingham & Solihull RFC
