Much better by Beverley and at last the convincing victory they have frequently threatened this season but not delivered.
How much of the winning margin was due to Beverley’s superior quality and how much to that of the opposition, who are without a win this season, is a matter of conjecture.
In a contest against a determined Leodiensian side, Beverley RUFC regained their early season form with a hard-earned 36-14 victory.
As opposed to recent weeks, Beverley looked much more switched on and dangerous right from the start.
Beverley suffered a defeat in the local derby as they were beaten 50-36 by Hullensians. The Beavers had hoped for better ahead of the game but crashed to their third consecutive defeat.
It was not all doom and gloom for head coach Craig Hancock and his side. When they did get the ball they showed they can. However, it was Hullensians who opened the scoring early on.
Happily, for both these sides, there is no relegation from Yorkshire One this season; otherwise, this might have been a tense relegation dogfight.
In the event it was an enjoyable and entertaining game with plenty of running rugby; carefree, almost, with nothing much at stake. Huddersfield YMCA must have one of the most pleasant playing grounds in the league and with ideal conditions and a fine sunny afternoon, there was every reason to hope for a good game.
The local derby trip to Bridlington for the Beavers was always going to be a tough challenge. The previous week Brid came away with an away win at top of the table Old Crossleyans and look to have secured the fourth spot in the league, which is the last promotion spot.
The weather was good for an open game of rugby, and in patches, Beverley’s backs looked impressive, unfortunately, the power of the imported front row and backline of the forward pack was too much, and Bridlington was deserved winners by the end of the afternoon scoring 46 points to Beverley’s 15.
Frequent spells of swirling rain and a fierce wind blowing diagonally from corner to corner; it might have been expected that this would be an afternoon of uninspiring rugby for supporters and those attending the ex-players reunion.
But surprisingly both sides made light of the conditions and produced an enthralling game with plenty of running rugby and end to end action.
The trip to Selby for the Beavers was always going to be a tough challenge, the physicality of the Selby pack and their ever-improving form in the league would always be a big test, especially for a Beverley team that has only won once this side of Christmas.
However, there was some hope as the weather relented the sun shone and the pitch was firm, although a little billowy there was a chance that Beverley’s own style of play might be allowed, and there was a sense of genuine hope that a victory might be achievable.
A highly entertaining afternoon at Beaver park with ten tries, 5 yellow cards plenty of flowing rugby but Beverley ended up on the wrong end of a 24 -34 scoreline.
It was clear from the off that both teams’ intent and ability to attack was greater than the organisation of their defences. Within two minutes a sweeping move to the left with slick handling by Rob Smith and Dan Lee allowed Luke Hazell the luxury of time to slip recover and run over from 30 metres out. 5-0 Beverley.
Never pretty to watch but in the end, it all came to life with an exciting finish. Given that they were never really competing in the first half this was a good result for Beverley.
Throughout the half, they had been dire, totally lacking in any urgency or adventure. It was as though they had been addressed pre-match by an official from the Health and Safety Executive. A better side than Leodensians might have put thirty or forty points past them before halftime.
Another Jekyll and Hyde day for Beverley – badly below par one week and at the top of their game the next. Having slipped in recent weeks to an uncomfortably low position in Yorkshire One they needed a good win and they got it.
This was more like it. After two lacklustre defeats, Beverley celebrated the Club’s Ladies Day with a convincing win to move up to fifth in the table.
Bradford are unlikely to be among the league’s front runners this year unlike Middlesborough and Old Crossleyans, Beverley’s last two opponents, but this was nonetheless an impressive showing by the home side.
After the turgid rugby of the British Lions South African tour watching rugby again as it should be played has been like a breath of fresh air. Sadly today it all came from Crossleyans.
Beverley were given the runaround for the whole of the first half and much of the second by a side which looked twice as determined and twice as quick. After their fine performance the previous week this was a hugely disappointing showing even allowing for the superior quality of this week’s opposition.
At last, Rugby returned to Beaver Park with Beverley entertaining Old Rishworthian RFC from Halifax and entertained them and a reasonable crowd to some highly promising rugby.
The Beavers have lost a number of last years squad but look to have a useful set of youngsters ready to replace them. Playing towards the clubhouse they took an early lead after 10 minutes through a Phil Duboulay penalty (3-0).
A dry day with high cloud and a gentle breeze and a pitch in very good condition given the recent wet weather, bode well for the game between these old rivals, who last competed in a league fixture in 2005.
There is no commentary around the first 5 minutes of the game as the referee blew his whistle for the game to start “a few minutes” early. Unfortunately, the news did not filter to the spectators in the bar.
Beverley knew the visit of Keighley RUFC to Beaver Park was going to be a tough one.
Both teams prefer to set a platform for fast-flowing running and passing rugby.
Beverley knew the visit of Dinnington RUFC to Beaver Park was going to be a tough one after last season’s encounter when they stifled the Beverley game plan so effectively it was reminiscent of what South Africa did to England last weekend.
This occasion had a much better outcome for the Beavers, playing at home in the cold sunshine on a squelchy pitch, an entertaining 9 try game saw Beverley finish worthy winners 36-22.
In recent seasons Beverley at Hullensians have performed wretchedly, suffered defeat, and seen their season start to fall away.
This time though they never looked remotely like the side that had racked up over two hundred points in their last four games they at least they came away with the five-point win they wanted.
Beware the ides of March. But not this week. After the dismal affair a week ago at Dinnington Beverley were back on top form securing another outstanding bonus point win – the seventh in their last eight games.
Crossleyans started the match only one point behind Beverley but never really got a look-in and Beverley comfortably cruised home scoring six tries in the process all of which Phil Duboulay converted in difficult conditions.