Blue & Golds Suffer Opening Day Defeat

This performance was a real let down after Wednesday evenings near flawless one against the Army which built up such a wave of optimism.

The blue and golds went into with game minus Jack Howdle, Bobby Howdle, Jack Humphries, Tom Radley, Jake Hart-Fisher, Lee Stevens, Matt Liggins, Jimmy Walker but still appeared to have on paper a side capable of taking the points.

They looked tired and jaded, and a disappointed Pat Howdle described his sides performance as ”the worst I’ve seen since taking charge two years ago.” He added ” I am also disappointed because the opposition was nothing special. You look at your fixture list, and this one should have been a home banker. There are far more difficult games to play than this one in the rest of the season.”

On a cold afternoon with frequent heavy showers at the Leisure Centre, the home side were under pressure straight away. The kickoff struck a Beverley player before it had gone ten meters. Adam Sellars went over wide out for the visitors from the resulting set close to the Beverley line. The hosts reply was quick. After forcing a line drop out, and after several attempts to force their way over, Lewis Pokitt’s kick into the in-goal area was pounced on by Billy Riby to score. Josh Poskitt added the extras to give Beverley the lead.

The lead was short-lived when a kick along the ground was fumbled by Beverley allowing Tim Elliot to score for the visitors. Again, the home side’s response was a quick one. A beautifully weighted pass from Joe Morley sent Louis Hubbard crashing over for Poskitt to convert for a 12-10 lead. After then Beverley appeared to struggle for the rest of the game like an engine firing on three cylinders. The visitors scored two converted tries courtesy of Kevin Brayshaw and Adam Sellars to lead 22-12 at the break.

The second half continued to stutter along for Beverley. They struggled to create many chances and conceded numerous penalties some of which were a little harsh. Lewis Poskitt continually tried to create chances, but the door was firmly shut for most of the game.

Beverley’s main go-forward seemed to be coming from Louis Hubbard and man of the match Chris Johnson whose efforts deserved better support. Also too often Beverley’s play was predictable, often trying to force their way over the line from close range against a resolute defence The visitors added three further converted second half tries through Mike Embleton (2) and Josh Thompson to lead 40-12. A late consolation try was added from Josh Poskitt to reduce the arrears and end a drab and best forgotten afternoon.

This Saturday Beverley will make the short trip to face Norland Sharks. Kick-off is 2.30pm at Sirius Academy. They hope to dust themselves off and kick start their league season. With 7 days rest and some returning bodies, this will hopefully happen. Beverley will face York Acorn again in the 40/20 cup final on 27th May Friday evening at Heworth, York.

The club are looking to run a supporters bus to the final and details will be announced a little nearer the time.

Final Score : Beverley ARLC 16 York Acorn ‘A’ 40 | Reported by Nick Robinson