The under 11’s west of Hull festival took place at West Hull and provided mixed fortunes for Beverley Braves.
The first game was against Myton Warriors, a team that the Braves have already had two entertaining tussles with this season, and this shortened festival game was no different with the Braves running out winners by two tries to nil.
Defensively the Braves put in a great performance with Oliver Loney and Ethan Rowbotham leading the way alongside Lewis Egan. It was William Wallis, who broke the deadlock with a typical run and score that has seen him top scorer for the Braves once again this season. The second half saw a score wide on the left for Dylan English after fast hands moved the ball across the field. With a place in the West of Hull side at stake there were some nice touches in attack from Ryan Deane and Tom Marr with Tom Cohen putting in some great one on one tackles.
In the next game, the Braves matched West Hull for most of the twenty minutes only coming up short in the final minutes to lose by two tries to 3. Wests were one try up at half-time, but the Braves lost both Egan and Marr to be heavy knocks, which disrupted their shape. They were, however, first on the score sheet in the second half when sustained pressure paid off with Marcus Walker popping up the ball to George Bennett-Teare, who was unstoppable from the short range. Wests went ahead again before George Lees took the ball at pace to crash over and level again.
The Braves goal-line defence was impressive with Will Sanford, Oliver Gresswell and full-back William Kirkup all putting in some hard work. However, the defensive highlight was Wallis chasing back to make a superb tackle to prevent an almost certain West Hull try. Ewan Morton made a solid debut in a tough game whilst Harry Newton looked dangerous when he scooted from the play the ball and Jack Turner made the most of the limited opportunities. All this effort was to no avail as Wests scored the winner late in the game.
The third game against All Blacks came to a premature end after a potentially serious injury to an All Blacks player who required an ambulance.
Thankfully, the injury was not serious and Jackson was fit and well after being checked out at the hospital. Henry Hughes had crashed over to give the Braves a 1 try to nil lead prior to this. After a long delay, the Braves brought the festival to an end with a disappointing display against Cottingham.
The Tigers gaining revenge for a defeat earlier in the season by three tries to one with the Braves try coming from Lees.
Congratulations go to William Wallis, Henry Hughes and George Lees for their selection into the West of Hull side to face East of Hull in October.
