With numbers depleted due to injuries and only one sub Beverley had a massive battle on their hands to start the new season against tough rivals East Hull.
Despite the home side towering above Beverley it was the Braves who looked up for the game. From the whistle Callum Officer and Callam Bielby were outstanding putting in tough tackles time after time and wearing out any players in their way.
The rain fell hard making conditions slippery but both sets of players coped well and it did not ruin the flow of the game. Harry Gray had an outstanding game coming in from centre to make some crucial tackles wrapping the players up well.
It was Beverley’s turn to attack and a fantastic high kick from Keegan Bartlett, who was an immense presence throughout the whole match, went over the heads of East Hull and bounced up for Owen Harrison to stretch high, cleanly taking the ball and power over the line to open the scoring delivering the first blow to the home side. Bartlett kicked the two points well. This was the perfect start for the Braves and they had to now keep this confident play going.
Harry Bulleyment was immense and such a powerhouse running at the players stopping them in their tracks and Jay Black put in so many strong tackles against big men and together Beverley niggled away at East Hull as they dominated play.
Our second row has some outstanding runs and faultless defence. James Sherwin picked up the ball in his own half, spotted the gap and accelerated at such pace that even East Hull’s fastest playing could not catch him as he pulled away to put the ball down under the sticks, a fantastic try.
Bartlett again kicked the extra two points. Harry Bell side stepped through the middle of the pitch beating men twice his size showing no fear and at half time Beverley dominated 0 – 12.
Beverley continued in the same vain in the second half, Dylan Clifford’s work rate was non stop and his runs up the field made impressive yards.
Officer’s awesome big hits and the combination of half backs Bartlett and James McGahey completely dominated the park with their defence, kicking and storming runs.
The skill exhibited on the pitch was a joy to watch and even when East Hull gained possession the Braves held their line. Joe Wardill had numerous runs and as he gained yards closer to the East Hull line from the play of the ball Harvey Lazenby made an excellent pass to Harrison who found the line with a powerful run for a well deserved try.
East Hull got a consolation try at the end of the game but the day went to the Braves with the final score 4 – 16. Man of the match was James McGahey who was stunning to watch.
