Metcalfe heroics in vain at Derby

Birmingham Bulldogs came up just short as they lost 20-16 at Derby City, despite the sterling efforts of in-form wing Tom Metcalfe.

Metcalfe crossed for two first-half tries, and twice went close to sealing victory in the second half only to be denied by a desperate home defence.

The Bulldogs had battled back from 20-10 down early in the second half thanks to a Chris Balmforth score.

But they could not prevent a second successive Conference defeat.