What a difference a week makes. After their previous week’s fairly dismal return to action Beverley RUFC produced here some of their best rugby of the season.
Although they slightly ran out of steam in the second half in the heavy going and playing up the slope their effort throughout was superb. Neither backs nor forwards could be faulted as they moved the ball about fluently and with plenty of enterprise. Even the line-out work for once was exemplary. Not the least satisfying aspect of the day was the hugely encouraging performance of Chris Harding at fly half. He moved the ball quickly, kicked rarely and intelligently, and linked well with Junior Tupai at inside centre. If he can keep up this level of performance the loss of Phil Duboulay for the rest of the season may not prove to be quite the misfortune that seemed likely.
Sandal scarcely knew what had hit them as Beverley RUFC swept into a twelve point lead within five minutes. From the kick-off they attacked down the right and when the ball was moved back across field Tupai put Sam Atiola clear on the home 22 for the hard running centre to power his way over. Phil Dale converted and was then immediately instrumental in setting up a second try. He made a clean break from a ruck on the ten metre line and sprinted up to the 22 before drawing his man and putting Matty Adams in at the corner.
All the rugby at this stage was coming from Beverley RUFC and they deservedly added to their lead after twenty minutes. Tupai created a half opening just inside the Sandal half to put Atiola away and he waltzed through the home defence scoring what will probably rank as one of Beverley RUFC’s best individual tries of the season. Sandal could make little impression against some fine Beverley RUFC tackling. Their preponderance with over-elaboration in midfield also significantly contributed to their ineffectiveness. As the half wore on the home forwards did begin to impose themselves but the interval arrived with Sandal never once having been in the Beverley RUFC 22. Their only score came from a long range penalty from full back Dan McCormack.
Beverley RUFC turned round 17-3 up and looking in total control. But this was only their second game in six weeks and they were playing on a heavy pitch with a significant slope against them. Whether a fourteen point interval lead would prove adequate in the conditions remained to be seen. Sandal certainly raised their game in the second half but they seldom looked like conjuring up a try.
Their only further score when it did come was the result of a Beverley RUFC attack going wrong. When the ball ran loose in midfield Sandal winger Dave Martin found himself with a clear run to the line and he made no mistake with a well taken try. McCormack converted and Sandal were suddenly within a converted try of drawing level. Beverley RUFC increasingly found possession hard to come by but when they did have the ball they still looked by far the more menacing side. They could easily have added to their score. Fraley Hopa with the line beckoning did not quite have the legs to make it, Harding was unlucky with a clever chip that bounced into the full back’s hands, and several zippy bursts down the wing by Jon Fisher might easily have brought tries.
The match in its later stages became increasingly feisty, and not only on the field. Fortunately a tight control was maintained by referee Colin Burrell who was no doubt grateful for the helpful advice he received all afternoon from some of the Sandal supporters. Sandal fought hard in the closing stages to get something out of the game but they lacked Beverley RUFC’s control and organisation and at the final whistle there was no disputing that victory had deservedly gone to the better side on the day.
Sandal 10 Beverley RUFC 17
