The blue and golds chose to give run-outs to 24 different players in this ‘friendly’ encounter against the RAF outfit last Thursday.
The game was played in perfect sunny conditions, and both sides treated a large crowd to a fast entertaining game. Coach Guy Adams was pleased by the performance of a number of players who were on trial and the result was not important, just game time.
The game started with the visitors fumbling the kick off beneath their own posts. The hosts went immediately on the attack but a visiting defence that was resolute all evening held them out. The RAF took the lead in the 15th minute with an unconverted try, but Beverley replied on the half hour mark. Mike Cooper went over after a long spell of pressure in the RAF 20 meter zone. Watkin added the extras. The visitors then managed two well worked skilful tries to lead 16-6 at the interval.
Beverley played some enterprising rugby at times but couldn’t quite find that killer punch. Half back Tom Moore was ever industrious and Jake Hart-Fisher ran strongly all evening. Hart-Fisher deservedly got on the score sheet early in the second half. He ran onto a quick tap penalty and rode several attempts to stop him on the way to the line. The visitors restored their 10 point advantage 10 minutes later with an unconverted score. Then another strong runner on the evening, Ian Lane took advantage of another quick tap penalty to score beside the posts. Watkin converted, and the scores were pegged back to 20-16 midway through the half.
The match then was a real contest with good attack and defence from both sides. However, the RAF managed two late tries to seal the game in their favour and perhaps give the score line a slightly lop-sided look.
Beverley ARLC committee member Ian Pollard said after the game;
“They were a big set of lads. I think we stood up well against them and showed good heart all the way through the match.”
The match was a worthwhile exercise and it is thought it will be repeated later in the summer at RAF Leeming.
Saturday night the blue and gold held their annual awards dinner at the Hodgsons Pub. The awards were dominated by two players: Ryan Watkin and Steve Connolly. Ryan Watkin took the supporters player of the year,young player of the year, and committee player of the year.
Steve Connolly took the chairman’s player of the year, most improved player of the year, players player of the year and the man of steel award. Other awards saw Gavin Proctor take the leading try scorer and the clubman of the year went to committee man Ian Pollard. This was in recognition of all of his
efforts in organising the club’s charity dinners.
Final Score: Beverley ARLC 26 RAF Leeming 32
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