In a massive improvement on the previous weeks disjointed effort the blue and golds took home both points on their travels to Bilton on Saturday.
In an entertaining game which saw the lead change hands several times, the stand out performers were Steve Johnson who was invlved in 5 out of 6 of Beverley’s tries and Ian Lane who scored one try and assisted in two others and was a constant threat with his strong runs.
The hosts dominated the opening exchanges and took advantage of some sketchy defence to score beneath the posts. The visitors reply was swift as Ian Lane put wingman Rob Thompson over for a try in the corner. The try of the match soon followed as Steve Johnson sent Ian Lane down the left flank to take the return pass to score behind the posts.
The visitors were pegged back shortly as the hosts kicked and regathered on the last tackle to score. This failed to dampen Beverley’s spirits and minutes later a beautifully weighted long ball from Steve Johnson sent Rob Thompson over for his second try which was converted to extend the lead to 18-10.
Just before and after the interval the pendulum swung back the way of the hosts with two tries to see them forge ahead 22-18. The turning point of the game did shortly follow as Bilton threw a wild pass on the attack which was intercepted by Steve Johnson for him to sprint 70 metres and score wide out.
The visitors increased their lead when a high kick on the last tackle was well taken by a Bilton player only for him to throw a pass inside that went to ground and was pounced on by Lee Falcus to score in the corner. The ding dong nature of the game continued as the home sides scored but missed the conversion to narrow the lead to 28-26.
But Ian Lane steadied Beverley’s nerves when latching onto another beautiful ball from Steve Johnson. The blue and golds held on for victory and Ian Lane took the man of the match award but mention must be made of Lee Stevens who was the pick of Beverley’s forwards taunting the Bilton defence with a series of rhino style charges. Final score Bilton Sullys 26 Beverley ARLC 32
This weekend the blue and golds are at home to Cottingham Tigers in a rematch of last seasons Ray Speckman Memorial Cup Final kicking off 2pm at the Leisure Centre. Meanwhile Beverley have been handed a bye to the second round of the BARLA Yorkshire Cup of which the ties are schedules for the 9th October.
