The blue and golds travelled to the Yorkshire Division One League leaders last Saturday with a bare 17 man squad. Injuries, work commitments, holidays and Dan Clarke’s wedding decimated the squad.
Coach Pat Howdle commented afterwards;
“You should be proud of your efforts today with a somewhat scratch side. I’ve no complaints about everyone’s work rate it was only mistakes, which cost us today.”
Howdle’s remarks were echoed by Mirfield chairman Richard Silverwood. He said;
“We’ve played you twice now. We lost at your place, but you’re the best side we’ve played this season. When you get some numbers back you should be top four.”
The game saw a dream start for the visitors. After only 2 minutes, Beverley’s first set of six saw a good chase from Lewis Poskitt’s kick downfield. As a Mirfield player attempted to run the ball out and clear his lines, the ball came loose in the tackle and Poskitt was on hand to touch down. Bobby Howdle adding the extras.
Things got even better shortly after with Beverley’s best try of the match. 40 meters out Jack Howdle managed slip superb pass away to Jack Humphries, who used his pace to round the defender and score wide out. The conversion was missed but a 10-0 lead after only ten minutes certainly exceeded expectations.
Mirfield then edged their way back into the game aided by the penalty count swinging in their favour. Their reply began with a 15th-minute try, five minutes later another one was added resulting from some sketchy defending. In the 28th minutes, a bomb failed to be dealt with and the home side regathered the ball and scored in the corner.
As the blue and golds settled down they managed put some pressure on the opposing line. A number of high tackles from the home side were penalised at this stage. With the break fast approaching a scoring opportunity looked on for Beverley but the pass was intercepted and the Mirfield player raced away to touch down. The home side headed for the half time oranges 22-10 up.
The second half started brightly for the visitors. Mirfield lost possession close to their own line. The resulting spell of pressure ended with Steve Connolly scampering across field to send man of the match Bobby Howdle over wide. The conversion was added.
However, the home side aided by a few handling errors and penalties exerted some pressure on Beverley’s line ending with a try wide out. Steve Connolly vented his frustrations at the referee and had to spend ten minutes in the sin-bin.
Down to 12 men, the visitors were not phased, and they managed to reply with a try in the left-hand corner. Slick handling sent Josh Pooley over. However, the home side once again managed to dominate field position with a penalty count weighing in their favour. It ended with a crucial try to the home side in the 68th minute which was converted.
Beverley now with little, to lose began to through the ball around with adventure. With the full time whistle imminent a long ball was once again intercepted by the home side for a try. The extras were added, and a 38-20 final score looked a little harsh on Beverley.
This Saturday the blue and golds are once again on the road. They travel to Leeds to face Milford Marlins kicking off at 2.30pm.
Final Score: Mirfield Stags 38 Beverley ARLC 20 | Reported by Nick Robinson
