It was a second defeat of the season for the Nuns against Drybrook in a game that they had chances to win it but couldn’t quite capitalise on chances. It was a much improved performance from the heavy defeat at Bournville on the opening day though with a better set piece ensuring more possession allowing the side to score five tries in a 31-34 defeat.

There were debuts for Harvey Matkin at tight head and Ryan Iles coming off the bench, whilst Ben Haywood returned to the squad at lock, Theo Knight in the centre, Andy Murray at scrum half and Sam Wallis on the bench.

Drybrook were first in the score sheet when they crossed for a try after 10 minutes which went unconverted but the Nuns came right back into the game.

Tak Chawadya received the ball nearly 40m out and broke down the left hand touch line leaving a number of defenders behind to score a good individual try. Brindley added the conversion to give the host a 7-5 lead after 13 minutes.

The Nuns were securing a lot more ball than last week and were threatening Drybrook but the visitors also had their moments. In fact Drybrook added a quick fire double score with tries in the 20th and 28th minute after a couple of missed tackles. Both were converted to take the score to 7-19.

But the Nuns didn’t let their heads dropped and they came back with a pair of tries themselves through Tom Eales. The flying centre must have racked up a grand total of 3m with ball in hand for both scores! One came from a pick and go at a ruck after some good pressure on the Drybrook line and the second came as he added to the forwards power from a line out catch and drive to cross again. Brindley added conversions to both tries in the 35th and 40th minute to leve the half time score 21-19.

The Nuns started the second half brightly and on the front foot but they could extend their lead at all unfortunately.

After Drybrook repelled the early pressure they started to stretch the Nuns defence and broke through for a brace of tries in the 51st and 57th minute with one being converted to take the score to 21-31.

The Nuns then found their second wind for the half and set too to closing the gap. After some continuous pressure, debutant Matkin crossed the line from close range which Brindley converted to bring the score to 26-31 after 66 minutes.

Drybrook though, got an important opportunity on 74 minutes to extend their lead. From a penalty 40m out but central they added 3 points to take themselves 8 points clear with a 26-34 lead.

The Nuns knew they’d need to score quickly and applied the pressure but Drybrook’s defence stood firm. Finally, Captain Aherne crossed out wide for a try which Brindley couldn’t upgrade. The score finished 31-34 as the final whistle blew giving the Nuns two bonus points and their first league points of the season.

After the game, Head Coach Huw Thomas added “It was an improved performance and we have got some points to show for it but we know we have more work to be done. Great to some more young players come in for their debuts that have come through the club and as we get some experience back in the next few weeks hopefully we can keep improving and helping those younger players develop. We have another tough test next week at Bromsgrove but that is what this league is all about.

1 Ryan Marsh 2 Louis Addleton 3 Harvey Matkin 4 Tom Aherne 5 Ben Haywood 6 Jack Iles 7 Toby Dearden 8 Arron Skyrme 9 Andy Murray 10 Lucas Brindley 11 James Astin 12 Tom Eales 13 Theo Knight 14 Tak Chawadya 15 Harry Pipe 16 Tyler Freeman 17 Sam Wallis 18 Ryan Iles