A hugely disappointing day for Beverley RUFC. Both these sides badly needed to produce a top class performance to secure a win and ease their relegation worries. The message had clearly got through to Penrith but Beverley RUFC, sadly, seemed quite oblivious to it. They were frankly unrecognisable from the side that played so well the previous week against Rossendale and were deservedly beaten by a team playing with far greater determination and urgency. Perhaps it was down to too many players having an off-day but inept tackling, dreadful handling, and a general lack of direction all contributed to Beverley RUFC’s heavy defeat.
For the first time this season Beverley RUFC went into a match with their first choice, and probably strongest, back division. It had its moments early on but most of the time the backplay spluttered to little effect. The pack provided an unending supply of good ball but with deadening regularity it invariably came to nothing, usually the result of a knock-on, poor passing, or taking a wrong option. Had Phil Duboulay not been there at number 10 to hold things together and tackle like a demon the likely consequences do not bear thinking about.
Yet it all started well enough. Despite what looked a rather harsh yellow card for Duboulay for a dangerous tackle Beverley RUFC had all the early play. They deservedly went ahead after ten minutes with a well worked try created by Rob Marson who dummied down the right and sent David Worrall clear to the line. Junior Tupai added the conversion and Beverley RUFC looked to be comfortably on their way.
But carelessness began to creep into their game. All season Beverley RUFC’s line-out tactics have been something of a mystery and it was no surprise when a wayward long throw at a lineout on the Beverley RUFC 22 was easily taken by Penrith who moved the ball quickly left for centre James Ellar to cut through and touch down. Steve Wood missed the conversion but five minutes later Penrith scored again to take the lead.
Beverley RUFC knocked on near the home line and with Craig Hancock off the field with a blood injury Penrith broke away from the scrum, winger Jon Fell raced away down the touchline, chipped over the defence and won the race for the touchdown.
Wood added a penalty to take it to 13-7 and Beverley RUFC then went further behind when they dithered in midfield before sending a simple pass directly into the hands of Penrith flanker Gary Hodgson who romped away to the line. Wood slotted the conversion and at 20-7 it was all starting to slip away from Beverley RUFC. Almost immediately things got worse. Chris Infield was caught in possession near his own line after failing to clear the ball and Beverley RUFC were promptly penalised. From the penalty lineout Penrith wing forward Ryan Johnson took the catch and brushed aside a number of half-hearted tackles to cross for a fourth try. Wood then kicked another penalty and at halftime Penrith led 28-7.
Twenty one points adrift and facing the wind Beverley RUFC started the second half needing an early score to get back into it. Mike Bradshaw forced his way over for a try in the corner to bring it to 28-12 and with plenty of good possession coming their way there was still a chance for Beverley RUFC. They had plenty of opportunities and openings but the backs continued to make little impact and it became increasingly difficult to see where another Beverley RUFC score was coming from.
Penrith in contrast were playing with far greater slickness and speed and looked liable to score whenever they had the ball. Another gift-wrapped interception sent winger Ed Swale speeding away for a fifth home try and with the last play of the game substitute flanker James Thornton added a sixth direct from a five metre scrum. For Beverley RUFC this was certainly a day to forget. But they had no cause for complaint. They allowed Penrith far too many scoring opportunities and Penrith simply took them.
Final Score: Penrith 42 Beverley RUFC 12 | John Nursey
