Beverley ARLFC’s rugged pack laid the foundations for the Blue and Golds to power into the final of the Ray Speckman Cup.
With man-of-the-match Aaron Horsfield setting the example, Beverley proved too strong for a game Hull Isberg side, running out 36-26 victors to set up a mouthwatering final against East Riding rivals Cottingham Tigers.
Although the scoreline suggests a tight game, Beverley’s dominance was such that in reality they always had the game under control, outscoring their opponents by eight tries to five.
Isberg did take an early lead, but once forwards Horsfield, Aaron Clark, Mike Brown and Ian Pollard started to dominate and Steve Davidson brought the backs into play, the writing was on the wall for the visitors.
Clark scored Beverley’s first try after five minutes, stealing possession close to the Isberg line and charging over wide out.
Davidson set up Craig Hamlet to put the Blue and Golds ahead, but it took a Gavin Proctor run from dummy-half to ensure the teams went into the break all-square at 12-12 following another converted Isberg try.
It was after the break that Beverley really put their foot down. Horsfield ran in the first try of the second period under the posts, before Pete Netwon went over from close range after a sustained spell of pressure
A brief lack of concentration allowed Isberg to close the gap with another score, but Proctor and Liam Lane gave Beverley breathing space.
In a see-sawing second half, Isberg refused to lie down and again pegged Beverley back with a try, but a bustling try from impressive Fijian Emosi Tauribu settled matters, despite a late Isberg consolation score.
The venue of the final is Haworth Park, Hull.
