World Footy News

The Birmingham Bears made the long trip up to Newcastle at the weekend looking to gain some experience in the ARUK National Cup before the start of the league season next week. All but one of the team were going in as rookies, having never played a competitive game before. We were drawn in Pool C, containing Huddersfield Rams and hosts Newcastle Centurions. We knew that we were up against it, with our best chance in all likelihood being against newbies Huddersfield Rams. Thanks to Mat Mitchell for this report.

As it was, our ruckman ended up in hospital with a dislocated shoulder within the first 5 minutes and despite keeping it tight when we had the wind, when we switched Huddersfield began repeatedly kicked in long goals and pulling well ahead. Captain and Founder Mat Mitchell scored the Bears' first goal after picking up on an opportune fumble in the Rams defence. The eventual score was 59-19 to the Rams, with Ian Mitchell picking up the 3 points for the Bears as Best on Ground with a fine display in defence.

Next the Bears played the reigning Northern Premiers in the Newcastle Centurions. The experience and quality showed as once again the Bears kept it relatively tight until being rolled over whilst kicking into the wind. Losing 56-0, a score which does little to show the effort that the Bears put in.

After the pool games, we were up against Chippenham, a side containing the England coach, England internationals and the captain of the Welsh side. In a very tight first half, the Bears took the lead through an Adam Baker goal, only to lose a couple near the end of the half. Huge efforts were put in on tired legs and the Bears ended with a credible 30-9 loss. In this game the Bears were awarded the 3 points (Barry Fallon) and 2 points (Tarith Samra) for Best on Ground, showing the effort put in by the Bears in a losing cause.

The final game was won on forfeit after Middlesborough Hawks didn't want to play due to an injury crisis.

During the day, we acquired players from the Hartlepool Dockers, Southampton Titans and the Huddersfield Rams after the injury early on and reciprocated by having 3 players play for the Rams later on in their 5th place playoff against Durham.

These acts showed the great spirit of the day and were by no means localised to the Bears. Once off the field, results were forgotten and players were social and looking to play as much as they could regardless of rivalries by striking up bonds with other teams that will last all season.

The Bears player of the tournament was tied between Ian Mitchell and Barry Fallon, who both played excellently in defence.

Also thanks go to Rick Shrowder and Brian Clarke at ARUK for organising the Tournament and the smooth running throughout the day.

For more information on the Birmingham Bears, visit Birmingham-Bears.co.uk.