Bees look for Rod Petty to continue try-scoring run

Championship-chasing Bees are hoping to reap more rewards today for finally finding the perfect position for box-of-tricks utility man Rod Petty. Russell Earnshaw’s side finds itself in Cornwall this afternoon where they take on faltering Launceston in a match that once looked a Herculean task but can now be down-graded to mere banana-skin. The bottom has fallen out of the hosts’ season and

having not won in four games – they were unable to beat Blackheath at home last time out – their promotion hopes have long since withered.

The same cannot be said for Birmingham & Solihull who, with nine consecutive league successes, have eased to the top of National Two and still have this match as their game in hand.

A bonus-point victory would put them ten points clear of Redruth and all but see off their nearest rival, leaving Cambridge, their opponents on the last day of the season, as they only other live contender.

The chances of that happening are good, too, with Bees and Petty in top form after last weekend’s 115-0 humiliation of Waterloo.

B&S scored 17 tries that day with Petty claiming his second hat-trick in three matches. It also took his tally to four in two since moving to inside centre.

With previous incumbent Cameron Mitchell’s best season in senior rugby having been interrupted by a shoulder injury, Petty’s installation into the No 12 shirt could not be better timed.

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