Sharmans Cross Road

Sharmans Cross Road was the ground of RFU Championship side Birmingham & Solihull R.F.C. (known as The Bees) until May 2010. The ground is named after the road it lies off in Solihull, West Midlands.

Capacity

Sharmans Cross Road has been viewed by many as one of the worst grounds in Division 1 for several years because the 1st XV pitch was simply a field with one "bus shelter" like construction on one side of the ground. The ground was somewhat of a joke when visiting teams such as Harlequins and Leeds had home ground capacities of 12,500 and 22,500. However in 2005 the club purchased a no longer wanted stand off Worcester Warriors which seats 1000 and now reads "Bees" in red and black across it.

Development

In the past few seasons Sharmans Cross Road has been developed slowly with few major projects since the stand was purchased from Worcester Warriors in 2005. This is probably due to plans for a new multi-purpose stadium costing up to £60 million to be built at Birmingham & Solihull R.F.C.'s training ground- Portway. However tarmac footpaths around three sides of the ground have recently replaced grass, although the far end has been left with a more natural effect. Most recently in Summer 2010, the Bees left Sharmans Cross Road and moved to local football side Solihull Moors' Damson Park in a ground share arrangement. The Sharmans Cross Road ground is currently unused.

Portway Stadium

In October 2006 plans were revealed to Bees members for a new multi-purpose £60 million stadium to be built at Birmingham & Solihull R.F.C.'s training ground- Portway. However progress stalled due to Portway being under the jurisdiction of Stratford District Council whereas the Bees are a Birmingham and Solihull club.

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