Issue 154

League lack killer blow

12th March 2007

Swansea RL 18 - Birmingham 26

Swansea were always going to be up against it in the first round of the knock out stages of the Rugby League BUSA shield.

The Birmingham side that was their opposition finished fourth in National League South and the Swansea side didn't make life easy for themselves in the early exchanges of the game.

A mistake from the kick off of the game quickly put the Swansea side under pressure. A missed tackle from the resultant Birmingham attack led to a quick try. However, Swansea were quick to respond as Chris Whitaker managed to scoot over from close range after a quick spell of pressure.

However, another lapse in the concentration of the Swansea defence let Birmingham in to take another easy try to make the score 10-6. Birmingham were next to score again but a knock-on in the build up, that was unseen by the officials, caused some discontent amongst the Swansea team.

This did not completely dishearten the home side as they went on to stage a remarkable comeback.

Strong running from Phil Williams and Tony Curmi helped build a platform for the likes of Adam Fotheringham and Stephen Hatch to attack out wide.

Swansea hit back on the stroke of half time with a try from Richard Stewart to make the score 14-10. With the almost gale force wind in their favour in the second half Swansea looked to gain control and close out the game, however within the first five minutes another lapse in defence cost them and Birmingham increased their lead to 18-10. The rugby league side have come along way this season and as the half back pairing of captain Craig Emmerson and Stevie Duggan began to work more effectively Swansea began to make significant inroads into the Birmingham half of the field.

With 15 minutes to go Stephen Hatch ran the perfect line to pierce through the Birmingham defence and raced 50 metres to put Swansea within touching distance. Swansea seemed in control but could not seem to find the try line until they managed to spread it wide and the superb Hatch raced 40 metres to tie the score with only seconds left on the clock. It could have been a fairy tale ending for Swansea however the wind played a major factor in Fotheringham's missed conversion attempt from the far touchline leaving the score at 18-18 at full time.

Playing into the wind in the first half of extra time sapped what was left of the energy from the team and two quick Birmingham tries left Swansea dejected. The team has come along way from last year and should hold their heads high.

On reflection the game could have gone either way but Birmingham had the better fitness levels in order to close the game out.

Captain Craig Emmerson said, "I was really proud of the boys today, even when we went behind. The fact that we pulled it back to level terms shows something about this team, and I hope the success we have achieved this season can be continued in future seasons."

Matt Cannon