Birmingham Lions

Birmingham was officially 6-0 heading into their last scheduled regular season match, due to the BNU match being called off due to the weather. The Lions have met the Wolves 3 times over the last two seasons so knew what they were about. The pitch looked in good condition considering the weather over the last few weeks; however it soon cut up– with the grass between the hashes turning to mud before the end of the first quarter. Birmingham came out in a predictably run heavy manner (given the conditions) and moved the ball on the ground with relative ease throughout the first half. This resulted in three touchdowns for Sarunas Babonas, one for Chika Kalu and another for Shane Mcneill – all in the first half. Tristan Varney did keep his run of touchdowns going though, through a nice ball to John Zinkus who readily converted. However it wasn’t just the Birmingham offence that we’re cashing in. The lions defence were coming up with many a turnover including two picks for Stuart Payne, two for Kit Lawson , then one for Mike Thomspon and Nas Arar. Sacks and forced fumbles were a plenty also,. With John Lidiard, Will Watkiss and Dom Thomas coming up with the recoveries.

The second half saw alot more of the same; however a running clock from the officials meant a very short couple of quarters. The Lions brought in Matt Hartley at QB who got off to a great start with a lovely through over the middle to Andy Watson who pulled in his first touchdown of the day. Two further running touchdowns from 4th string Eniola Osonaike coupled with some amusing touchdown celebrations finished off the Warwick Wolves, who had no luck putting together any meaningful drives, other than the odd pass over the top being completed. In fact they’re only triumph on a long physical day was blocking the Lions’ last PAT.