A strong first half from Beverley RUFC proved the difference as the Beavers beat Bradford Salem 30-24 maintaining their perfect start to the new season.
Isaac Keighley, Beverley’s Number 8 was given the man of the match award for his efforts in the closing stages with the coach Will Turnbull praising his direct play and for using his ‘fantastic’ rugby brain.
A strong performance in the first period saw the Beavers lead take a 17-0 lead into the break as Luke Hazell and Will Harrison scored tries that were converted by Phil Duboulay who also added a penalty kick.
Hazell extended the lead in the second half though that score triggered a fight back from Bradford who scored two quick fire tries of their own.
With the game now in the balance the Beavers suffered a blow as Jamie Gill was forced to leave the field due to injury.
Bradford again scored to get to within just three points of the Beavers setting up was to be a tense final ten minutes with the game only being settled by the boot of Duboulay who struck with two late penalties.
Speaking after the match Turnbull said;
“People had us down to lose, so winning this game a meant a lot. We showed great character to win, especially after a time of being on the back foot. We are now two wins out of two so I can’t grumble.”
“In the first half we were very good. We were effective and clinical while in the second half we are like Jekyll and Hyde. The same thing happened in the Acklam game happened in this match. We took our foot off of the gas and let Bradford back in, this is something we need to address.”
“However, we re-grouped and saw the game out. Something we haven’t done in the past few years.”
“It was funny after the game because I was asked by some Salem boys where our imports were.”
“We are literally all home-grown except for one or two lads who have moved here for work so it’s shaping up nicely.”
Commenting on the injury to his Full Back Turnbull said;
“Jamie is unfortunately going to be out for the rest of the season we think with his shoulder injury which is a real shame as he was in some good form and playing well.”
