The Beverley Braves made the perfect start to the match with an explosive run from prop Harry Bulleyment who brushed the Tigers defence to one side as he powered through with an unstoppable charge between the posts opening the scoring for the Braves.
Keegan Bartlett kicked to add the two points. It was not long before Beverley were on the score sheet again when Bartlett made a stunning pass to Will Johnson who ran hard and fast to cross over with all his strength over the line.
Johnson is proving to be a class league player and definitely one to watch. Despite the Tigers best efforts the tries kept on coming for Beverley when James McGahey put a brilliant inside ball to release Dylan Clifford who demolished the defensive line to score. Keenan Barker received the ball from the restart and he accelerated with immense speed through the players from his own half and it would have been a certain try if it was not for the bravest of tackles from the Cottingham full back that stopped his momentum.
The Tigers had their chances and it was only tough tackling from Conor Egan and Darren Benstead that halted them in their tracks down the right wing. Beverley certainly proved they could defend against a strong side and Harry Bell got the crowd behind him as he made a perfect tackle against a bigger opponent and stopped him in his tracks. Some classic passing followed and went through the hands of Benstead and Bell finding Clifford who side stepped the player to power over for a great team try.
Bartlett converted well to add the two. It was Bell who stole the show again with another of his twisting runs finding a gap and adding the four points and Bartlett added another two to finish an impressive first half 28 – nil.
The Braves started the second half as they started the match with a stunning individual try from Clifford as he gathered the ball in his own half and powered up the field knocking away the Tigers as he ran and accelerated away from all the chasing Cottingham players to dive over the line – brilliant. Bartlett kicked the conversion well.
The Braves don’t take anything for granted and put all their enthusiasm into the game week in week out and the games are a joy to watch. Class games from all players are produced and some neat skills are exhibited as well as great defensive play. There are solid games every week from skilful players Nathan Collinson and Jay Black who work tirelessly and effectively.
Callum Officer, despite been ill, was fired up as usual and made some stunning tackles. Bulleyment got his second try of the match as he picked up the ball and used all his strength and momentum to carry him over the line. Bartlett kicked another two points well. McGahey had another excellent game as usual and the link between him and his fellow half back Bartlett controlling the game with perfect passing and skilful kicks. James Sherwin was excellent in defence today and his runs made great yards. Bell produced another good try as he showed his pace down the left wing moving away from any chasers and Bartlett with a difficult wide kick potted the points well.
Tom Woods was so unlucky not to score as a great reach into the corner in full stretch was tackled mid air to just put the brave winger into touch. Harry Inman who came on despite an injury late into the match still made an impact with his skilful play.
It was Harry Bell who ended the game in style by bagging his hat trick with his trade mark skilful side step which sealed the victory 50 nil. Man of the match went to Dylan Clifford for his great tries and solid defence.
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