The Braves started the first match of their Yorkshire campaign with only 13 players due to injuries and illness. The start was aggressive from Farnley who had a wealth of players to choose from. Beverley were under pressure from the Falcons and it was a text book tackle from James McGahey that stopped a strong manoeuvre down the wing to stop points being scored early.
Conor Egan completed an excellent set of tackles to keep the force of the Falcons at bay but the Braves could not get out of their own half and the pace did not ease. The fast and furious play was hard on the depleted Beverley side but a spell in Farnley’s half culminated in them being awarded a penalty. They capitalised on this in the perfect way when McGahey dealt a brilliant long pass to centre Harry Inman who powered over to open the scoring. Owen Harrisons kick from the wing was fantastic to give Beverley a six point lead.
Dylan Clifford was a power house in the middle of the field but Beverley did not build on the possession as they struggled to complete their sets putting pressure upon themselves. A high kick near the Braves line saw the ball come loose and Farnley came up with it to score from close range.
The kick was sound so the teams were back on level terms and Farnley picked up the pace. With Beverley pinned on their line it was only a strong drive from Bailey Clark that released the pressure for the Braves to attack. Harry Bell, who had an excellent game made a great tackle against a much bigger player forcing the knock on but Beverley failed to turn possession into points and when the play went towards the Beverley line Farnley scored to make the half time score 12 – 6.
The Braves started the second half well and forced the Falcons to make errors. McGahey ran hard and fast and made a lovely step and last minute off load to Joe Wardill who dived over the line, Harrison converted to level the game once again. Beverley were gaining momentum but as they approached the line two Farnley players went down injured which allowed them to regroup.
Beverley’s last play was a kick to the wing but it was intercepted by Farnley’s fast paced winger who sped the full length of the pitch and could not be caught. The try was converted to give Farnley the edge but a tired Beverley side continued to battle.
They dug deep and were rewarded by Darren Benstead scoring an excellent try out wide using all his strength to power over the white wash. Beverley saw a chance to come back with every player showing endeavour till the very end but Farnley scored in the final few minutes to deliver a cruel blow to a match which Beverley deserved a point.
Final Score: Farnley 22 Beverley Braves 16.
