This was the Hull and District Youth group cup final and favourites Beverley Braves who were undefeated this season with only 28 points scored against them so far in nine matches.
The Beverley Braves were optimistic against their nearest rivals Ideal Hull Isberg, but despite beating them easily at the start of the season they were an unknown quantity after being strengthened recently by new players.
Hull Isberg got off to the perfect start when they kicked the ball into the in goal area to force Beverley to kick out to restart giving possession back to the challengers. From this first kick they never really looked back as a lost ball bounced kindly and they ran in their first points in the opening minutes.
Beverley were a little shaken but a great hit by Harry Bulleyment forced the game up towards the Isberg line. He followed it with a great run and the resulting play saw Beverley gain momentum and a superb ball from Keegan Bartlett found Joe Wardill who released James Sherwin to accelerate brilliantly and dive over the line out wide.
Beverley now had to build on this and Will Johnson showed such determination as he forced the player into touch. The combination of Nathan Collinson and Callum Officer worked tirelessly in the middle once again.
The Beverley Braves appeared to pick themselves up as James McGahey released another brilliant pass to Dylan Clifford who was so close to breaking away. Beverley had to now defend and fight hard. Their usual moves were not coming to fruition and Isberg’s confidence was growing as the minutes ticked by.
On this wide pitch Beverley needed to pass the ball down the line and when they did minutes later they were rewarded with a great team try run over by Harry Inman. This edged the Braves into the lead and for a short while the spectators thought Beverley would step up the gear like on all their other Sundays. Isberg though had other ideas.
Despite excellent running from Tom Woods the Isberg defence held tight. Beverley were building the momentum ready to strike when a stunning interception saw the Braves having to chase and only a last ditch tackle saved a certain try. It was not long after though Isberg scored a try out wide to finish the first half ahead 8 – 10.
With confidence sky high Isberg now knew they were capable of winning this final. Only a brilliant toe tap from Johnson stopped another certain try in the first few minutes. Woods gained great yards once again but despite pressure on Isberg’s line the Braves could not capitalise on the possession and put points on the board. The next vital score came from another stunning interception which saw Isberg’s player sprint away from all chasers for a fantastic individual try.
It felt like Beverley had a mountain to climb but Wardill from half back kicked the ball across to the opposite wing and a fantastic run from Sherwin at blistering pace saw him touch the ball down just before it went into touch. Wardill kicked the conversion from the wing to bring the game within two points. Despite Beverley not dictating the game they could snatch the trophy but Isberg did not give them the opportunity with more pressure being piled on.
Hull Isberg made a brilliant kick across field which their player cleanly took from the air to place the ball down in the corner. This proved to be the decisive score which took all the hope from the Braves and with minutes to go Isberg ran in another great try to make the score line a fair reflection of the match. Total respect must go to Isberg who on the day played with such determination and passion and as a team.
Final Score: Beverley Braves 14 Hull Isberg 24 | Reported by Sue Wardill
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