Wasps Downed By Bee Sting

London Wasps, Parker Pen Challenge Cup holders, Zurich Premiership champions, and Heineken Cup finalists came crashing down to earth after a nasty bee sting.

In what can only be described as the biggest shock in English professional club rugby, the aristocrats well felled by the paupers as English first division side Pertemps Bees came, saw and conquered at the Causeway Stadium.

Pertemps Bees, formerly Birmingham/ Solihull until a sponsor paid for the make-over, were 250-1 no-hopers before kick-off, but some brave punters will be laughing all the way to the back after the shock 28-24 win.

England captain Lawrence Dallaglio could only watch in horror yesterday as his side were turned over, and sensationally knocked out of the Powergen Cup.

There was no Dallaglio, Joe Worsley, Josh Lewsey or Alex King, but when Wasps ran in three tries in 13 minutes midway through the first half to open up a 19-11 interval lead, there was no suggestion a shock of biblical proportions was on the cards.

Wasps still had England lock Simon Shaw in their pack, England centre Stuart Abbott in midfield, and Wales and Lions legend Rob Howley on the bench.

But it wasn't enough. "We didn't think we underestimated them but I have to say it didn't look as though we were quite up for it," said Wasps coach Warren Gatland.

"No excuses. We didn't deserve to win. They did. It was a bit of a reality check for us and a few individuals who perhaps thought they were a little bit better than they are."

Nick Baxter and Aaron Takarangi scored Bees' two tries in the space of three minutes either side of half-time and Bees No. 10 Mark Woodrow did the rest, kicking six penalty goals and therefore 18 points

"They were expected to wipe the floor with us," said the 24-year-old Woodrow. "We had everything to gain and nothing to lose and they had pretty much everything to lose. But when I saw their team I thought we had a good chance. I think they underestimated us," he told Alix Spink of the Daily Mirror.

London Wasps will play Gloucester Rugby in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals on Sunday April 11.