Middlesbrough kicked off on a bright sunny afternoon at Beaver Park and the Beavers immediately set up camp in the visitors 22.
After 5 minutes Rob Smith scooted over for a try which Phil Duboulay converted (7-0). He followed this 2 minutes later by making a fine break and putting Jake Boardman in for a try which Duboulay again converted to make it 14 points to nil and to set their supporters cheering after last week’s disappointing result at Old Crossleyans.
However, their joy was to be short-lived. A shaken Boro suddenly came to life and they ran in 6 tries, 4 of which their impressive stand-off converted in the next 33 minutes to make the half-time score 14 points to 38.
It has to be said that this remarkable turnaround was due in large part to Beverley’s sloppy play, almost non-existent tackling, and continuous aimless kicking away possession.
Having said that, nothing should be taken away from the transformation in Middlesborough’s play as they gleefully seized upon every mistake and ran extremely strongly.
The second half started in a similar vein to the first with Danny Morris scoring a pushover try after 8 minutes (19-38). By retaining possession they showed a lot more resilience and scored again after 12 minutes through Gavin Jenney to secure the bonus point. Phil Duboulay duly converted to make it 26-38.
This was followed by a try from substitute winger Steve Payne (31-38) and, with 15 minutes left for play, perhaps a fightback was on the cards.
However, it was not to be. The Middlesborough fullback, fielding another aimless Beverley kick on his own 22, ran through half the Beverley side, selling 5 dummies on the way, to score a fine try which was converted (31-45) to settle the game.
A penalty in the last minute, successfully converted by the Boro standoff rubbed salt in Beverley’s wound.
Final score: Beverley RUFC 31 Middlesborough 48
