Two tries apiece from Louis Hubbard and Aaron Horsfield weren’t enough to stop Beverley ARLC bowing out of the Council Trophy after a 44-26 defeat at Bilton Sully’s.
The match was lost in the first half as the home side monopolised possession to go in 30-10 ahead, although when Beverley did manage to get some possession they did look dangerous.
After the hosts drew first blood with a try in the third minute, Steve Jonson intercepted a stray Bilton pass and raced 60 metres, only to be pulled up short.
But a quick play the ball and quick hands sent Horsfield over beside the posts for his first try, which Jonson converted.
This proved to be only token resistance as the home side added a further three tries, with every trick they tried seeming to come off.
Hubbard did reply for the visitors in the 35th minute despite his inital break sadly lacking support, and this should have set up the Blue and Golds for a fightback.
However, Bilton emphasised their superiority as Beverley leaked another try before the break.
An obviously frustrated Beverley side conceded three further tries early in the second half as the home team turned the screw.
But the visitors rallied as Horsfield scored his second try, playing in the unaccustomed role of centre.
Hubbard also added his second, courtesy of Jonson’s neat pass around the man, before Lee Falcus completed the afternoon’s scoring when he got on the end of a thrilling move which saw Hubbard, Horsfield and Jonson keep the ball alive with skillful offloads.
Full-back Falcus took the man of the match award with another impressive display of support play, combined with gaining good yardage after fielding kicks.
Final Score: Bilton Sully’s 44 Beverley ARLC 26
