In appalling conditions the game kicked off with both sets of supporters not expecting to see a good standard of rugby in such bad weather. Credit must go to all the players out on the pitch for holding on to the ball so well.
Dylan Clifford was the first to put points on the score board as a charging run broke through the Cottingham Tigers defensive wall for a clear run to the line which was converted well by Owen Harrison in swirling conditions.
A few minutes later the Beverley Braves had regained possession and a long pass out wide from James McGahey was cleanly taken by centre Harrison who slid over the white wash. Callum Officer and Callam Bielby were a massive presence on the field and Clifford ran hard and tough at the Cottingham players and again broke through to add his second try.
Joe Wardill ran from his own half sprinting down the wing to place down the ball to score to edge the game away from Cottingham. Harry Bullyment ran strongly and executed a superb off load and Connor Davies tackled really well throughout. Wardill broke free again down the wing to score his second and the half was finished when Clifford claimed his hat trick with another charge to make the half time score 34 – 0.
The rain continued to pour down but both sets of players continued to play good rugby in very slippery conditions. Darren Benstead ran fearlessly at any player that came near him and the Braves did not stop putting pressure on the Tigers.
A great scoot then off load by Harry Bell released Benstead to score and Benstead added his second straight after with another fantastic charging drive. The Braves could not be stopped and another great try followed from Harrison with Clifford adding his fourth. Keegan Bartlett was very brave from the play of the ball as he found a space to throw himself over from close range for his first try for the Braves. McGahey worked tirelessly again throughout the match and was rewarded with a try of his own.
The Cottingham players should be applauded for their hard work and never stopped working throughout the match and even when Clifford brilliantly ran in his fifth try to make the game 62 – 0 and the referee blew to end the match the Tigers were happy to continue.
Man of the match went to Owen Harrison whose performance and kicking in such blustery conditions was superb.
