This was going to be a tough encounter as the undefeated Braves took on second place Myton. The battle that commenced did not disappoint as Keenan Barker opened the attack with a ferocious run breaking through the warrior’s line and the Braves completed their first set in stunning style as a lovely kick from Harry Bell was spilt by the home side and Bell gathered the loose ball and placed it expertly over the line.
Beverley would be excused in thinking this was the start of another one sided game but Myton had other ideas with a try of their own from an early kick which caught Beverley off guard and levelled the score. Beverley had to work hard now and Jay Black and Nathan Collinson were outstanding in the middle with text book tackles time and time again. Myton forced a Beverley goal line drop out and a magnificent chase by Darren Benstead put pressure on the Myton player who knocked on. It was the Braves turn to attack and Bell once again scored a great try as he found a gap in the defensive line and sailed through to put Beverley in the lead. Joe Wardill kicked well to add the two points.
The Beverley Braves now should have taken the game but a lengthy spell before half time saw them not completing their sets and making it very difficult for themselves. James McGahey had yet another great game making decisive tackles just when they were needed most and Callum Officer has an incredible work rate week in week out. The whistle blew 4 – 10 to Beverley at half time.
Braves team talk must have been good as they came out and looked more confident. A strong forceful run from Dylan Clifford made valuable yards towards the Myton line and the play then went out wide finding Will Johnson who made a fantastic run and used all his strength and acceleration to place the ball over the line and score a great try. There was not long to wait before the next try as another inch perfect pass from McGahey released Wardill at speed who flicked the ball to the supporting Benstead and he sprinted away from the chasers to score a classic try with arm raised in delight.
Wardill secured the two points and Beverley were now playing so well. Shortly after Bell secured his hat trick with another cheeky try as he found a gaping hole in the Myton line and although new to kicking, Wardill added two points. Bell’s confidence was obvious as within minutes he twisted and turned through the players before him and opened up yet another gap and ran the ball in for his fourth try with Wardill converting well.
A massive defensive hit was called upon a few minutes later and it was so hard that the ball was spilled by Myton and Johnson picked it up and charged from his own half up the pitch with great speed and could not be caught by any of the chasers to score his second of the match. Wardill again kicked well.
Myton never gave up and continued to test the Braves forwards but they were up for the battle. The game was sealed with another stunning try as McGahey released Wardill who sprinted forward to then release Harry Inman to score a stunning try and end the game 4 – 42. Man of the match deservedly went to Harry Bell for his four excellent tries.
