Chris Bertram says “same again please” after an impressive victory
The Sycamores resounded to the chants of the small but enthusiastic body of Birmingham Moseley supporters, as the long-awaited first away win of the season was secured. A fine first half saw five tries scored against a Leeds Tykes team long on effort but short on finesse, and the job was effectively done by the break. Leeds managed a small comeback in the second half as the weather closed in, but a sixth try put matters beyond doubt. The jubilation and relief on the faces of the players was clear to see, and the coaches were equally delighted with the outcome.
This was achieved with no change to the squad that has been in place this season. The quality of the players has not been in doubt; perhaps an element of bad luck has played a part, but the determination to win paid off this time. Now Moseley need to make sure this is followed up with further wins both home and away, starting this weekend, so that the movement away from the foot of the table continues.
Moseley moved up to 12th place ahead of Dings Crusaders, and are now level on 20 points with Leeds, who however have more victories under their belt. Just above them, with 29 points, are our visitors this weekend, Clifton. The Bristol side are new rivals for Moseley; this will be their first visit to Billesley, and we will no doubt make their committee and supporters very welcome, while taking the task on the pitch very seriously indeed.
Clifton have performed creditably in their first season in National League 1, and have five wins from their 12 matches. Onne of those was a surprising home victory over Rosslyn Park, but their other wins have come against lower-ranked clubs, and they were also beaten by Leeds. Last weekend they were surprised at home by Tonbridge Juddians, this ending a run of four consecutive victories. Like Leeds last weekend, they will certainly look at a match against Moseley as a winnable prospect; the red and blacks will be determined that this must not happen.
Topping the try scoring stats for Clifton is hooker Tom Anderson with seven. He is in his second season with the club having moved from Dings via Cinderford. Moseley have proved quite adept at defending the driving maul, so he may not find it easy this week. Second with six is No 8 Bradley Talbot, who has been at Station Road since 2021, when he joined from Weston-Super-Mare. Top of the scoring chart is fly-half Thomas Quinlan, a young player who joined from Loughborough Students in 2023. As Clifton have shared the kicking duties around, he has the comparatively modest total of 37 points.
A very welcome six tries for Moseley saw Aquile Smith (2), Ben Pogson, Ollie Stedman and Will Safe add to their totals, while full back Perry Humphreys scored his first for the club. Stedman is now clearly in the lead with six, while Smith, Pogson and Safe have four each. Jack Jolly landed five conversions from five, and Tighe Maxwell-Whiteley one, but Tommy Taylor is still highest scorer with 46.
So the team return to action on home soil with a win on the road under their belt, and a close rival to aim at. The coaches can select from almost a fully fit squad, and the players will want to prove that the Leeds result was not just a one-off. It will also be the first opportunity for the home crowd to welcome the new coach, old fan favourite Ollie Thomas. There can be no better reason for supporters to arrive in numbers and urge the team on with the passionate cry:
“Come on Moseley”
