This was the Beverley Braves last league match of the season and they did not disappoint their spectators when they showed their powerful presence from the moment the whistle blew. Despite the match being only 11 a side as the Cottingham Tigers were struggling with injuries points were soon on the board as Owen Harrison from loose forward made a lovely side step to outwit the Tigers and score a great individual try which he converted well.
Confidence high the Braves continued in the same vain and from the kick off some strong runs meant good yards were made. The ball found Jay Black who released a fantastic pass to James McGahey who in turn made an inch perfect pass across the pitch to Joe Wardill. As usual he was running at speed and powered over to score.
It was now Cottingham’s turn as they attacked Beverley’s line. Although tested Beverley soaked up the pressure well and Will Johnson made a great defensive tackle to deny the Tigers a try. Cottingham made a break and they found a gap but Wardill at fullback made an excellent steal to halt their momentum. It was Beverley who then attacked and quick play saw them progress up the pitch with impressive drives. They moved down the field with such aggression and Wardill offloaded at the last minute to release Johnson who sped down the wing before turning to place the ball under the uprights.
Harrison claimed the extra two. Again from the kick off Connor Davies made an impressive run making 30 yards before releasing James Sherwin who saw the tightest of spaces between the defensive players and sprinted away at lightning speed placing the ball down between the posts. Harrison easily added the two. The Braves threw the ball around confidently and made some crunching tackles with Harry Bulleyment and Callum Officer making some massive hits. The whistle blew with the first half ending 0 – 22 to Beverley.
Second half saw the same aggressive game from the Braves. Nathan Collinson was excellent with his scoots and twisting runs and this instigated another cross pitch play in which Sherwin secured another great try. Tom Woods picked up the ball well from the kick off and drove hard and fast down the field. The play resulted in Harrison throwing a great dummy which opened up a gap for him to sprint through and add more points.
He then converted his own try to lengthen the lead. A stunning team try followed as quick plays and accurate passing culminated with Keenan Barker accelerating away to add to the tally. Harry Bell broke down the left wing with a well timed run as he played a really classy game. Shortly after Dylan Clifford showed his strength to charge through with such power before releasing Barker who sped away again for another skilful try. He converted his own try.
It was Clifford’s turn to find the gap after Bulleyment made a good pass cleanly into his path. Clifford showed speed and determination to make it to the line. Conor Egan drove hard as he came in off the wing to make his way up the pitch. Harrison released Johnson with an accurate pass who then sprinted from his own half to touch the ball down over the white wash.
Harrison completed with a try of his own with another dummy to finish a great display and end the season with 58 points unanswered. Man of the match went to Nathan Collinson who scoots and defence were exceptional.
