Leodiensian 14-36 Beverley

The Beavers returned to their early season form with a hard-earned 36-14 win over a determined Leo’s. From the off Beverley looked a far more switched on and dangerous outfit than in recent weeks. As early as the 3rd minute an aggressive defensive effort ripped the ball loose to be quickly shipped wide to Jake Boardman who raced over to open the scoring in the corner 5-0. Both sets of forwards proceeded to test each other out in the next stanza of play. This arm wrestle was broken by a converted Rob Smith penalty after Jacob Baggs made an excellent run following a quick line out 8-0. However, Leo’s shrugged off the disadvantage of a yellow card to drive Dave Robbinson over from the resultant line out 8-7 keeping the game tight.

Both teams continued to probe for openings in the first really heavy conditions of the season with credit to the enterprising intent of both sets of players. Beverley’s revamped pack with Gav Jenney and Louis Frear particularly to the fore were far more aggressive around the park and just shaded the first half. This balance of play was only rewarded on the scoreboard just before half-time with a superb Jacob Holmes try, beating 5 men in close order to dance under the posts. Half time 15-7 Beverley.

The Beavers needed to open up a gap on the scoreboard to ensure a measure of comfort. Their hosts deservedly scored next after a sustained period of pressure on the Beverley line, with Dan Johnson darting over off the back of a scrum 15-14. With 20 mins to go the contest hung in the balance. Then lighting up the afternoon with a superb 80-meter try, worked with two interchanges of passes between Jake Boardman and try scorer Rob Smith, Beverley seized the initiative 22-14. Leo’s now had one of their best spells and strove to get back to just a one-score game. Unlike recent weeks though the Beavers defence was far more aggressive knocking back Leos’ close-quarter probing, with Jack Houseman, and Jack Dixon putting in several punishing hits.

Beverley’s back line which seemed to have rediscovered its freewheeling attacking form then snapped into action to deliver two decisive blows securing the win and bonus point. A clever kick through allowed Jake Boardman to race in for his second try. Shortly after Jake had a hand again bursting clear then slipping the ball inside for Luke Hazell to dot down under the posts, making the final score 36-14 to Beverley. Congratulations goes to the entire team for providing a thoroughly entertaining and improved performance, which was well refereed throughout.

Stephanie Hazell