The game started with confidence from Beverley as the ever powerful Darren Benstead charged with an explosive run for the opening drive of the match.
The Braves had some early pressure but when it was the Bulls turn to attack the runner sold them a dummy and they booted a high kick across the Beverley line and a lucky bounce landed in the Skirlaugh wingers’ hands for an easy opening try. Beverley’s feathers were not ruffled though and they continued to pressure forcing knock on’s by the home side.
James Sherwin had a great defensive game and if beaten by an attacker would sprint after them to tackle them again with his never to be beaten attitude. Skirlaugh though had a powerful run from their winger who managed to offload despite being tackled just short of the line for the supporting player to cross over for their second try.
Already 12 – 0 and Beverley had to regroup and start to gain possession. When they have possession and move the ball around they are a side that are tough to beat. Bailey Foulston tackled non stop and was a force to be reckoned with in the middle. Harry Bullyment was so unlucky not to be given a try as he dived onto the loose ball spilled by the Skirlaugh player. Harvey Lazenby, Danny Dawson, Callam Bielby and Owen Harrison all defended really well and Harry Gray’s speed was called upon a number of times as he chased and caught attackers as they accelerate towards his line.
Finally all the possession paid off as Joe Wardill started his acceleration at speed for James McGahey to release an inch perfect pass, which is becoming his trade mark, Wardill broke through handing off the opposing full back to score under the sticks which was converted by Harrison. The half time whistle blew 12 – 6, Beverley dominating the end of the first half.
The spectators were buzzing on the side line as the game was going Beverley’s way. Debutant Will Johnson made a superb tackle to force another error from the off and Jack Brown was a fantastic addition to the side with skilful defence and attack. Beverley did not keep possession though and a couple of unlucky decisions gave the ball back to Skirlaugh who capitalised in the most clinical way running over a try and switching the dominance back to the Bulls.
With confidence now running high again for the home side and the pairing on the left side of two very strong Yorkshire representative players the Bulls ran over a succession of tries to ease the score away from the Braves reach. Beverley could not keep possession in the second half and without the ball they paid the ultimate price of having 40 points put past them. Final score 40 – 6. There were some great efforts put in by the players and Man of the Match Dylan Clifford working tirelessly in both attack and defence and thoroughly deserved his award.
Final Score: Skirlaugh Bulls 40 Beverley Braves 6 | Reported by Sue Wardill
