Blue & Golds Beat Gateshead To Stay Four Points Clear in NCL

Beverley ARLC  negotiated a potentially tricky trip up the A1 to maintain their 100% record as they beat Gateshead Storm in the National Conference League.

As has been the case on a number of occasions this season it was the first half performance which set them up for victory. Playing down the slope in the first half, the visitor’s pace caused countless problems for the opposition.

The forwards earned their plaudits on a warm afternoon which necessitated numerous substitutions. Louis Hubbard led the charge with many bustling runs and there was  a promising debut from Ewan Bennett.

Getting out of the traps very quickly, Beverley raced to an 18-0 lead after only 20 minutes. Lewis Straw, Lewis Poskitt and Alex Calvert all crossed with Straw converting all. There was a lull in the scoring before Lewis Poskitt stroked over a drop-goal and Ben Bardle added a try.

Straw again converted for a 25-0 lead on 32 minutes. Shortly before the break, the home side pulled back a converted try through Dan Chetwoyd to peg back the scores to 25-6.

Eager to finish the job, Peter Starling sent Lewis Straw in for his second try five minutes into the second half with extras added. Ten minutes later the home side pulled back a converted score courtesy of Zach Clarke.

Midway through the second half, the game was put beyond doubt when Sam Brown sent Billy Riby over.

There was a  consolation score for Gateshead six minutes from time with Dan Chetwoyd adding his second to complete the afternoons scoring.

Beverley remain four points clear at the top of the table. Second placed rivals Clock Face defeated Woolston 36-28 on Thursday evening to maintain pressure but other rivals Barrow Island slipped up  22-20 at Dewsbury Celtic.

Final Score : Gateshead Storm 16 Beverley ARLC 35