This was a tough match for the Beverley Braves, Dewsbury play first division rugby in Yorkshire and the winner of this match would claim a quarter final place in the Yorkshire Cup. The pressure was on as soon as the whistle blew as Dewsbury went on the attack. Beverley soaked this up with strong tackles from Connor Davies whose confidence is growing every week.
The momentum started to flow and when a ball was spilled by Dewsbury as they were put under pressure, James Sherwin bravely dived on it. As a direct result of his bravery the ball found Joe Wardill whose strong run and cool off load released a supporting Harry Gray who charged over the line brilliantly to open the scoring. A great kick from Owen Harrison added the two points. This was the perfect start for Beverley and every player on the pitch was digging deep showing bags of enthusiasm.
Callum Officer was so strong as always with tackle after tackle flooring the Dewsbury players and just as the Braves were starting to dominate an opposition player unexpectedly broke through the line and scored. Beverley picked themselves up and from the restart an error by the visiting side gave Beverley possession. Strong running from Dylan Clifford gave valuable yards closer to the line in boggy conditions. The ball went out wide to Harrison and a slick step inside fooled the defence totally and he finished his try so well and followed it with a brilliant kick. Half time Beverley had the edge at 12 – 4.
The game restarted and before Beverley had time to settle Dewsbury had put a try past them to bring the game back within their reach. Amazing running from forward Darren Benstead who was outstanding yet again eased the onslaught. Keegan Bartlett passed the ball around lovely today and made some good yards from first receiver.
Nathan Collinson had a brilliant game at hooker and Conor Egan out wide was solid with his tackling and they never broke his wing. The Braves put their heart and soul into today’s match and it was sheer determination that was exhibited by Harry Bulleyment who drove his way up the pitch and muscled his way over the line. Harrison converted well.
Dewsbury did not give up and not long after secured another try to bring the game back to two points. Through stunning tackling from James McGahey and Tom Woods Beverley regained control and lovely passing moves saw McGahey receive the ball close to the line and it was only a trip that prevented him scoring. Beverley elected to kick the resulting penalty and increase their lead to four points when Harrison converted. The Braves needed to hang on for the last few minutes but Dewsbury had other ideas as they went all out in attack as they knew this was their last chance. Despite Beverley’s best efforts they managed to run a try in out wide to level the score in the dying minutes. A kick would seal the game but the player crumbled under the pressure and missed.
Whistle blew and an extra five minutes each way would secure the quarter final place. Beverley gave everything and more but a clever drop goal from Dewsbury gave them the edge and despite still pushing forward the time ran out for the Braves in the cruellest way possible with the game concluding 20 – 21.
Man of the match voted by the opposition was Joe Wardill for his excellent attack and defence and all of Beverley should be so proud of their performance in this epic match.
Final Score : Beverley Braves 20 Dewsbury 21 | reported by Sue Wardill
