Beverley RUFC Under 13s went into the last weekend of the season optimistic of winning some silverware at the Beverley RUF MiTours festival, which saw 12 Under 13s teams from across the country attending.
After the group games the team secured a semi-final spot in the Shield competition, which pitched them against St Neots from Cambridgeshire, the away team were bolstered by a huge pack, but the more agile talent of Beverley showed through when they produced an exceptional performance, the attack of Tom Barnard, Nathan Cullen and Eden Quantock was always dangerous and managed a breakthrough when after a kick through Barnard juggled a ball and went over to take the lead.
Beverley were buoyed, an attacking plays by the forwards led to a good platform for the backs. Ben Wilkinson and Ben Walker were ever reliable and supported by Alex Crockett, Harry Hesleton and Oliver Lazenby.
It was not going to be long before Cullen broke through and scored a try as he has done all season, outpacing a number of defenders.
In the second half St Neots came back and fired everything they had at the Beverley team, although they managed a try late on Beverley secured a final spot winning 10-5.
In the final, they meet Huddersfield, whom they had beaten 10-0 in the pool competition. Huddersfield opted for un-contested scrums, which clearly played into their hands relieving any gains the Beverley would have made in the scrums and allowing their fast backs good ball.
But this match was everything a cup final should, tense, nervous and exciting, both team throw everything at each other, last ditched tackling by both team managed to prevent either team scoring, Josh Dillon and Cameron Lawley produced exceptional performances.
Crockett tackled like we had not seen all season, Jasper Laws was again strong and consistent at scrum half, and the wingers of Harry Gunn and Adam Skeates supported and defended exceptionally, centre play by Sam Acaster, whom has improved significantly over the past couple of months was again exceptional.
This was an enthralling match which eventually ended drawing 0-0 but Beverley awarded the match on the basis of more tries scored in the tournament and the earlier win over Huddersfield.
This was a well-deserved victory and having improved literally week on week just reward for a great season of rugby, which bodes well for the next season.
Parents Player of the week went to Tom Barnard and Coaches Player of the Week to Alex Crockett whose games over the weekend were the best we have seen from him.
