Beverley Braves took part in a game that was the biggest so far for club after they were drawn at home against a strong Blackbrook side from St Helens in the Barla Xamax National Cup.
Coach Chris Harrison had for the first time ever to choose a side from 19 eager players. It was a nervous start from both teams, but a good run from Dylan Clifford resulted in a penalty for Beverley. The play found Joe Wardill, who made a strong forceful run from 25 yards out to score a stunning opening try in the corner to shock the visitors.
With the perfect start under their belts Joe Mankel and Bailey Clark produce good exit set runs but a penalty gives Blackbrook easy yards, and they score from close range and quickly add a second by a great scoot from their hooker releasing the centre to score under the post. Good tackling from Nathan Collinson and then strong running from Harry Inman help Beverley complete their set.
A kick was taken well by Keenan Barker, and Harry Bell made some excellent fast runs. Beverley again completed their sets but Blackbrook found a gap and ran through the middle to score. James McGahey, the skilful Braves captain and influential Owen Harrison both had to go off injured. A superb interception by Conor Egan stops a certain try for Blackbrook. Beverley continued to complete their sets with strong runs from Mankel and Connor Davies, and the half time score is 4 – 18.
The second half started as the first had finished with the Braves completing sets and great tackling from Darren Benstead. Davies caught an excellent chip to stop Blackbrook in their tracks. Play continued with some skilful play from both sides. Blackbrook Royals broke, but an excellent tackle from Wardill forces them into touch, but play continues and the Royals score from close range. Beverley continued to fight hard and perform great exit sets with god runs from Mankel and Will Johnson, who makes a welcome return from injury.
Harry Bulleyment ran without fear hard into the Blackbrook line. Charlie McMillan on his debut and Jay Black worked hard and played really well.
Blackbrook piled on the pressure, and they hit a short pass to score. Beverley reply with a fantastic run from Bell who breaks 40 metres and was only halted when their full back caught his leg in a last gasp tackle. Blackbrook attack and take a low pass brilliantly to score and finish the match 4 – 36.
Dylan Clifford deservedly got man of the match and although Beverley were defeated by this top side they played with such courage and skill that they are fast becoming a side to be reckoned with.
Final score: Beverley Braves 4 Blackbrook Royals 36 | Reported by Sue Wardill
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