Beverley Braves heartbreakingly beaten by West Hull in a full-blooded encounter up at a cold and windy Longcroft School.
These two sides always seem to serve up a decent game and this was no different, and it was Beverley, who got out of the blocks the quickest.
Olly Adamson got on the end of a Tom Nuttall grubber to grab his first ever 4 pointer after Beverley put back to back sets together to build some early pressure. Owen Miller tagged on the extras.
West Hull hit back with a try of their own before a piece of magic from Joe McCabe pushed the Braves further in front, scooting from acting half he showed great footwork to beat three defenders then rounded the full back before winning the field long race to the line to score an amazing try, which he stepped up and converted himself.
A 12-4 half time score line was a fair reflection of the game but unfortunately that was as good as it got.
With West Hull throwing the ball about and a few Beverley errors on the back of some very dubious penalties. West Hull had all the possession and with so much tackling to do it was a tough last five minutes as that saw the Beverley Braves fall 16-12.
As always, the Braves showed immense character and marched up the other end and levelled the match with a second touchdown from man of the match McCabe. Charlie Gay made the kick and with 90 seconds to go a draw would have looked to be the most likely outcome.
The Wests, however, were presented with the chance to clinch the game after they were awarded a penalty and just managed to sneak it in to the corner to win the match.
Beverley Braves Coach Craig Collins said after the game;
“This was A harsh lesson for the Beverley lads, but one which they must learn from if they want to improve and turn these close defeats into victories.”
“Josh Hamlyn was magnificent in defeat while centre Will Cohen always threatened.”
“If there is anything we can it is this, be a master of your habits, OR they will master you.”
