The blue and golds came away from their first ever trip to the Highfields University ground with another two league points to add to their midweek victory at North Hull Knights.
It rounded off a thoroughly good week for the club and sees them rise from second to bottom on the table to fifth.
An upbeat Director of Rugby Pat Howdle commented;
“We had a few bodies missing, and it looked a tough ask but we stepped up to the plate. It was pleasing to note we had 3 under 18s in the lineup which all bodes well for the future.”
The match itself was an entertaining one as both sides utilised the wide university pitch giving the ball plenty of air with all tries the result of good rugby. The game was also played in a very good spirit.
Beverley were on the attack early and missed a chance in the 3rd minute. A break by the ever dangerous Alex Calvert saw him send Ben Naylor away only for his inside pass to his supports to go to ground.
Moments later, a similar move saw Naylor finish in the corner. The extras were not added. The visitors continued to press and dangerous run by Billy Riby saw him brought to the ground and the home side penalised for holding down. The extra attacking was well defended by the hosts.
Nottingham began to edge their way back into the preceedings and forced two successive line drop-outs taking advantage of the much larger in-goal areas than Beverley are used to.
The pressure paid off for them as Adam Cunliffe forced his way over for an unconverted score to level things up. They threatened to take the lead as a break from deep by their loose forward required a last ditch tackle from Billy Riby.
On the half hour mark, Alex Calvert restored Beverley’s lead with a try wide out which again was not improved. The lead was short-lived when the opposition full back broke from deep to send his winger Andrew Muzuabri over.
There was no conversion, and the scores were level at 8-8. On the stroke of half time Lewis Campion added a penalty to nudge Beverley in front.
The early moments of the second half saw Beverley again give the ball plenty of air. One such attack saw Sam Coleman send his winger Ben Atkin away. Surrounded by cover defenders Atkin did well to avoid being dragged into touch.
In the next play, Lewis Campion’s kick into the in-goal area was pounced on by Billy Riby for a try. This time Campion converted for a 16-8 lead.
The hosts struck back in the 52nd minute with winger Andrew Muzuabari adding his second try, which was converted to narrow the lead to 16-14. This in turn brought the visitors to life with Lewis Poskitt attempting to weave some of his majic.One such attacking play saw the home side penalised at the play the ball.
A quick tap saw the ball moved wide for Alex Calvert to score his second try wide out. The extras were not added, but Beverley sensed victory and moved in for the kill. Aided by a succession of penalties, they worked their way into the Nottingham 20 and a quick dart out of dummy half from Ethan Cambridge saw him send Ryan Watkin over for the gamebreaker 12 minutes from time.
They attempted to add to their lead in the closing minutes and Ryan Watkin was held up over the line on one occasion. The score remained at 24-14 as the whistle blew.
Man of the match was Jack Howdle, who led by example throughout. It was also very much a day for the youngsters with Lewis Campion, Ethan Cambridge, Luke Inglis and Luke Shaw all heavily influential.
This Saturday Beverley are at home to Sharlston Rovers, who are having something of a mixed season so far with three wins and three losses. Kick-off is 2.30pm at the Leisure Centre. Subject to confirmation Beverley ‘A; will host Dewbury Celtic ‘A’ in the entry league (kick-off 12pm).
Final Score: Nottingham Outlaws 14 Beverley ARLC 24 | Reported by Nick Robinson
