Beverley ARLC went into this fixture with a number of absentees due to work commitments. The two Steve Davidsons were missing as were Adam Norton and Mark Nicholson. This caused a major reshuffle of the side by Guy Adams giving a somewhat patched up look.
However, the side showed great commitment particularly in defending repeat sets on their own line and managed to restrict a well drilled and youthful Dockers second string to just 4 points up to the 35th minute. The next 5 minutes saw the game go away from the visitors as the hosts posted 22 more points to effectively end the game as a contest at 26-0 at the interval.
The second half saw the visitors stem the tide with some brave performances in the pack from Tim Niccolini and Lee Stevens. There was one very notable charge from Stevens that gained all of 50 metres. Ryan Watkin plugged away all afternoon and deservedly got on the score sheet midway through the half. Seasoned campaigner Paul Atkinson who had a useful game in the centre also added a late consolation try.
The home side was restricted to just 16 second-half points in a much more even half.
Tim Niccolini took the man of the match award in a non stop grafting performance. Ian Lane caught the eye with some powerful first-half runs, and Steve Connolly was instrumental in a number of try saving tackles at full back.
Coach Guy Adams was remaining tight-lipped about a couple of new signings that may be secured in time for the weekend except that they have previously played for the club.
This Saturday will see Beverley at home to Bilton Sully’s kicking off 2pm at the Beverley Leisure Centre.
Final Score: Hull Dockers 42 Beverley ARLC 10 A Reported by Nick Robinson
