RUGBY UNION: HARBURY returned from Birmingham Civil Service disappointed and frustrated after losing out 29-24 to their Midlands 4 West (South) midtable rivals.
Despite outscoring their opponents by four tries to two, Birmingham Civil Service proved more clinical with the boot.
Five penalties and two conversions helped the home side defeat Harbury, who remain in seventh following the loss.
Harbury dominated the opening quarter as only frantic cover defence kept Service’s line clear.
But they were helpless when back row Ricky Bearman touched down before Dave Rooney added the extras as Harbury opened up a 7-0 lead.
The visitors should’ve scored two more tries only for short passes to haunt them.
Service responded with a try of their own on 25 minutes as the hosts levelled the game.
Harbury regained the initiative straight from kick off when Chris Milburn charged onto the restart ball to cross over. Rooney again added the extras.
A 35 metre angled penalty was successfully kicked as Harbury’s advantage was reduced to four points.
The hosts were boosted in the second half with the pitch slope and lowering sun in the eyes of Harbury’s faces.
A series of penalties helped their cause as Harbury trailed 16-14 before a soft try stretched their lead to nine points.
Though Harbury hit back with a drive from a five-metre lineout, the conversion fell short.
And Service took full advantage of Harbury’s wayward kicking to earn a five-point victory.
