Dewsbury Beat Braves In Heinz Big Yorkshire League

Beverley Braves U16s travelled to the famous Dewsbury Moor ground were the Burgess brothers started their careers.

In swirling winds the game kicked off with the Braves putting pressure on the home side and even when Dewsbury found a gap it was the Braves keen defence that forced the player into touch.

Nathan Collinson was quick to make good yards with a great scoot from acting half which he executes so well every week. Beverley were successfully keeping Dewsbury pinned in their half and when it was there turn to attack it was Harry Inman who took an excellent pass at centre and ran hard and fast weaving past players to open the scoring with a superb try under the sticks. Joe Wardill added the two to give the Braves the perfect start.

Beverley’s pack were strong in the middle with Joe Mankel, Bailey Clark and Dylan Clifford having stunning games putting in big hits consistently. Beverley played as a team and winger Conor Egan made a strong tackle to force Dewsbury to knock on and give Beverley head and feed. Joe Wardill, playing for the first time at scrum half, threw out a long pass to centre Inman who used his upper body strength to power over and score out wide.

With only minutes remaining in the first half Dewsbury started to find their feet but great catches from Conor Davies as he intercepted a difficult kick and Keenan Barker who cleanly caught a high ball in blustery winds they finished the first half totally dominating play 0 – 10.

The second half told a different tale as Dewsbury started to complete their sets. Despite Mankel having an excellent run handing off numerous defenders it was the home side that scored their first points to bring them right back in the match as they found a gap out wide. Within minutes they caught Beverley off guard again and edged their way into the lead wiping out all Beverley’s hard work from the first half.

James McGahey throughout the whole match made text book tackles consistently bringing players off their feet as they attempted to get past and his work rate is astounding. Beverley were now failing to complete their sets as mistakes were made and Dewsbury ran in yet another try.

The Braves answered with a great move as McGahey made a fast hard pass to Inman who again found the white wash to bring Beverley back into the game with a great hat trick. Tony Usher came on from the bench and his first tackle totally floored the runner.

Newcomers Charlie Macmillan and Charlie McCusker both continue to grow in confidence each week and at 18 – 14 the game could have gone either way but Dewsbury broke from their own half to score.

Beverley retaliated, still fighting hard to save the match when full back Will Johnson released Harry Bell with an accurate pass and Bell’s strength carried him over the line. Time was running out for Beverley and 6 points down they tried to do an early kick to get the try that was needed but a great charge down bounced kindly for Dewsbury and they scored in the last minute to finish 30 – 18.

Beverley should not be disappointed with the score as especially the first half they totally dominated this top side and Man of the Match went to Nathan Collinson who played so well at hooker and made fantastic yards.

Final Score: Dewsbury 30 Beverley Braves U16s 18 | Reported by Sue Wardill