FR: Myton Warriors 22-28 Beverley
This was a very encouraging performance in anticipation of the 2022 season for the Blue and Golds. A new look Beverley line up, probably in the final analysis out enthused their higher-ranked opponents to give themselves a pre-season boost. 6 new faces lined up in the 20 man squad and impressed new Head Coach Trevor Penrose.
He commented ” We asked for everyone to step up today and there wasn’t a player who did not contribute today. We could not have asked for anymore.”
The opening exchanges saw both defences on top until the deadlock was broken in the 10th minute. Alex Calvert, who impressed on the afternoon made a strong break and get a pass away to Francis Coggle. Coggle did well to spin in the tackle and avoid the attentions of a number of defenders to touch down under the posts. Josh Poskitt converted.
Midway through the first half the visitors spilled possession close to their own line. John Douglas took advantage to score an unconverted effort for the home side. The visitors soon replied. Alex Calvert’s long pass was knocked down by the opposition giving Beverley a scrum feed close to the line. As the ball was passed from the scrum Francis Coggle went across field to send Lewis Miller over for a try that was not improved.
As half-time approached another impressive break from Alex Calvert saw him get a pass away to the supporting Joe Vaudin who crossed under the posts for Poskitt to convert and stretch the lead to 16-4.
An unfortunate incident then followed from the re-start kick which was fielded by Josh Poskitt who broke clear seemingly with daylight in front of him. He was pulled back for an obstruction giving the hosts a penalty in a dangerous position. The resultant pressure saw Lee Waterman cross and Walker convert deep in stoppage time, to make the score 16-10 at the interval.
The opening moments of the second half saw things boil over with a fracas between the 2 sides which saw a man apiece sent to the sin-bin. The 51st minute then saw the home side level things up at 16-16, courtesy of a John Douglas try converted by Walker.
The visitors were never about to implode and James Boughen, who caught the eye with some strong running broke clear, only to see his final pass to his support go to ground. In the 64th minute Josh Poskitt restored the visitors lead when crossing the line on the end of a swift handling movement to the right. Poskitt converted his own touchdown for a 22-16 lead. 12 minutes from time Beverley looked to wrap things up when a James Boughen break from deep sent the pacey Glen Anfield over behind the posts for Poskitt to convert. Beverley now enjoyed a 28-16 lead.
The restart kick went dead immediately putting the visitors under the cosh. Lee Waterman pegged back the scores to 28-22 with a try converted by Walker. Some sound defending saw the visitors hang on.
Bobby Howdle took the man of the match award above several other impressive performance not least Alex Calvert, Dan Smart and James Boughen. Howdle’s constant menace from dummy half alongside his offload game certainly tipped the scales.
The home side thanked everyone involved for a successful fundraising afternoon in this pre-season fixture which has become an annual event in aid of the PAUL for Brain Injury Recovery Charity.
Nick Robinson
