Another good day for Beverley RUFC. In their last two matches they have seen off their two closest rivals and scored over 100 points in the process. They now stand nine points clear at the top of North One East. In spite of the prolonged recent rain this match was played in remarkably good conditions and both sides contributed to a fast and enjoyable game. Sheffield came here with only one defeat in their last ten games and with the League’s best defensive record. They are a tough proposition but, like Wheatley Hills a fortnight ago, they were made to look pretty ordinary.
From the start Beverley RUFC looked to run the ball and were soon opening up holes in the Sheffield defence. They took the lead after eight minutes when they opted for a scrum at a penalty ten metres out. The pack drove to the line and James Holland touched down with Phil Duboulay slotting the conversion. Five minutes later Lee Birch added a second try after Holland had made good ground from a quickly taken tap penalty. Sheffield after only a quarter of an hour were already on the back foot.
Jimmy Pearson did get them onto the scoreboard with a penalty but Beverley RUFC by then were already starting to look rampant. Birch crossed for his second try and David Worrall forced his way over for another from a second penalty scrum. Half an hour gone and Beverley RUFC had already wrapped up a four try bonus point. With Duboulay having added two further conversions they were almost home and dry at 26-3.
Sheffield fought back strongly in the ten minutes before halftime when they enjoyed their best spell of the match. They have a powerful set of forwards which took some holding whenever they drove towards the line. Several times they might have scored but Beverley RUFC’s defence held firm. Not only up front but in the backs the home defending was outstanding. Despite seeing plenty of the ball the Sheffield backs could find no way through and could make little impression.
With the game as good as won by halftime Beverley RUFC somewhat cruised through the second half. There were still frequent spells of scintillating rugby along the way and they comfortably added another four tries. Birch with a thrilling run from his own half swerved his way through the Sheffield defence for his third try, Holland added two more, and Junior Tupai rounded off a sweeping move with a fine finish down the left touchline.
Despite their hopeless situation Sheffield kept the game alive with some enterprising play of their own. They attacked at every opportunity and never lacked in endeavour. They deserved to get something. It was just that there was simply no escaping the fierce tackling of the Beverley RUFC backs. Eventually they did get some reward when flanker Andrew Kelly touched down from a forward drive to the line and then centre Chris Dale got clear down the right touchline for a second try in the corner. Pearson added one conversion.
With this convincing victory and news of another defeat for Wheatley Hills it was an altogether excellent day for Beverley RUFC. Not the least satisfactory aspect was that today’s win was the result of a superb all round team effort. The pack in particular was outstanding. There cannot be a more potent back row in this league than Worrall, Holland, and Joe Picketts. Matty Adams and Craig Hancock formed a formidable power-house in the second row and the rotating front row were always in evidence in the loose play.
Tom Steadman had a fine game at scrum half. As for Birch he only has to have the ball in his hands to set the pulses racing. The problem for Beverley RUFC will be in maintaining this level of performance and next week’s away fixture at fast improving Morpeth will be no easy pushover. Still, whatever the outcome in Northumberland Beverley RUFC will arrive at Christmas in good spirits. And deservedly so.
Final Score : Beverley RUFC 48 Sheffield 15 | Reported by John Nursey
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