Three times this season Beverley RUFC has seen victory slip away. However, not this time. They produced a fine display here in an enthralling match during which the lead changed hands five times. Just as last week they led by two scores with time running out but today they kept their composure and saw the game out comfortably. On a calm autumn day with ideal playing conditions these two sides put on a thrilling display of running rugby. It was a much better match. For Beverley RUFC, the win was particularly satisfying given that Sandal looked by far the best side they have played this season.
Beverley RUFC got off to a dream start. They kicked off to the open side where Tom Carr caught the ball and almost put James Holland in. However, Beverley RUFC maintained pressure on the home line and with the game, only two minutes old Holland was not to be denied a second time. Phil Duboulay, resuming the kicking duties, slotted the conversion.
But nothing is ever quite straightforward with Beverley RUFC. Within a quarter of an hour, they had presented Sandal with two simple tries and surrendered the lead. A throw-in on their own 22 went over the top to no-one in particular. Beverley RUFC were immediately under pressure and home flanker James Briscoe crossed for a try which fly half Joe Bedford converted. Two minutes later a Beverley RUFC ball was passed out of the tackle direct to home centre Joe Allott, who had a simple run to the posts for a second converted try.
Despite these mishaps, Beverley RUFC was playing some scintillating rugby, and they clawed their way back with a superb Lee Birch try. As Beverley RUFC attacked in the home 22 Birch came inside on a beautifully angled run, taking an inside pass and gliding over. Duboulay just missed the conversion but shortly before halftime Beverley RUFC went in front again when the pack drove over from a five metre scrum and Tonci Buzov touched down. This time Duboulay made no mistake and Beverley RUFC turned round 19-14 up.
Whether a five-point lead would be enough to take into the second, half playing against the stiff slope looked doubtful. Indeed, the home lead was quickly restored when Allott went over for his second converted try. Duboulay nosed Beverley RUFC ahead again with a penalty only for the centre Mark Pease to slot one for Sandal and put them 24-22 up. Only two points in it with three quarters of the game gone. It was anybody’s match.
But Beverley RUFC made light of the slope disadvantage and increasingly looked the more probable winners, although when in possession Sandal always posed a threat. Only some tremendous tackling kept them out. Beverley RUFC had the greater flair in the backs, and several times opened up the home defence. Holland, enjoying another outstanding match, swept through the home ranks to set up several scoring opportunities. James McKay was nearly in at the corner. Junior Tupai was denied only by a forward pass, and Holland himself was denied a try when the referee called play back for an earlier penalty infringement.
With just over a quarter of an hour left Beverley RUFC edged one point ahead through a Duboulay penalty. Sandal threw everything into a desperate finish, but Beverley RUFC had the better composure and virtually made the game safe with a well worked second Birch try which Duboulay converted. It was all pretty frantic as the final minutes ticked away but this week Beverley RUFC comfortably held on to their lead for a fine win.
While the running rugby by both sides was a delight to watch it was the Beverley RUFC pack which largely paved the way for their victory. They were outstanding to a man. Paul Steadman had a good day in the lineout. The scrummaging was solid, and Tom Steadman at scrum half was provided with plenty of clean balls. All in all, it was an excellent day and a performance which bodes well for next week’s home fixture against high-flying Stockport.
Final Score: Sandal 24 Beverley RUFC 32 | Reported by John Nursey
