Beverley Crash To Their Third Defeat Of The Season

Beverley’s rollercoaster season continued following last week’s sublime performance with a disjointed display that saw Beverley crash to their third defeat of the season 23 – 10 away from home at the hands of West Leeds.

As it turned out the game was lost in the first half with the dominant forward pack from the home team taking advantage of the conditions, the rain did not desist all afternoon, added to that there were some injuries and unavailability that meant that Beverley were always going to have a tough day of it.

Within 4 minutes the home team took advantage of a good lineout position and their dominant forward pack with a converted pushover try. Beverley then responded on 9 minutes with a slick move which was reminiscent of last week’s exciting rugby, but unfortunately proved to be one of only a couple of examples all afternoon, Phil Duboulay and Dan Lee linked up for the full-back to score a good 40m break under the posts, levelling the scores.

Three converted penalties in the next 20 minutes for the home team for various infringements were converted well, and then on 32 minutes, West Leeds had a power-play down the right-hand side recycling the ball quickly and strongly to eventually drive over for their second converted try, 23 – 7 at half-time.

It was pleasing that in the second half the Beverley ship was sured-up, and the only points scored were from a Phil Duboulay penalty which made the final score 23 – 10 but it was little consolation in a game that Beverley struggled to get a foothold in.

This has turned out to be a transitional season for the team who have new coaching, new players and are adopting a new system of play which still entails fast-flowing attractive and attacking rugby, which when it clicks is a beauty to behold, sometimes however it doesn’t quite click. Well done to West Leeds who were deserved winners.

This was a frustrating day for the Beavers who on their day (no disrespect to West Leeds) would have won. There were some positive glimpses, the returning Jack Foster made yardage whenever he got the ball with strong running which was an example of what Beverley were lacking and the young boys coming through the ranks notably Louie Frear and Jacob Baggs showed great promise for the future.

There was an injury to Mark Hodgson (Trigger) in the first half to his neck and back which ended his game, we hope and wish him a speedy recovery.

Beverley now has a week off now, the next game is at home again Selby which will be a bruising encounter.