Beverley Braves U16s have move to third in the Heinz BIG Yorkshire Division 1 after they beat the leaders Farnley Falcons at the Beverley Leisure Centre.
Beverley had lost at the start of the season to this class side but at the time the Braves had a much depleted side but were lomost back to full strength for the visit of the West Yorkshire side.
As Farnley kicked off it was vital that Beverley displayed their true strength from the off and they did not disappoint with Joe Mankel and Harry Bell hitting the attacking players hard. Bailey Clark at prop puts in massive games every week and his crunching tackles helped force the visitors into touch.
Harry Inman made a strong twisting run and gained valuable yards using all his upper body strength. Beverley’s defensive sets were strong and secure and Farnley could not find a way through. Darren Benstead came on from the bench and made an immediate impact with a stunning tackle that floored the Farnley player and intensified Beverley’s defence.
Will Johnson makes such an impact showing he is a class rugby league player. The Braves now attacked and Joe Wardill made a creative run powering through a number of players before offloading at the last minute to a supporting Inman to secure a great try for the centre.
Wardill kicked the conversion to give Beverley the edge. The Braves did not have to wait long to add to this tally when a great run by winger Tom Woods down the right flank saw him almost go into touch but instead he made a great long pass over his head inside to Bell who ran over the line for a class try. Wardill added the two.
Top of the league Farnley now had to retaliate before half time so upped the anti and down the middle our players had to respond. Conor Davies put in yet another big game along with Dylan Clifford whose work rate must be applauded.
A string of penalties against the Braves gave the Falcons the impetus they were looking for and they scored a try close to the sticks. With minutes to go though Beverley were unlucky not to score when Harry Bulleyment powered over from close range but was denied after been held up by an army of Falcons. Half time 12 – 6.
The game started with the same intensity with players working hard in their roles but a break down the left side from Falcon’s fast winger saw the game levelled out of nowhere. Nathan Collinson was held up over the line after an excellent scoot from acting half.
With the heat starting to make an impact as tired limbs from both sides forced errors but a frustrated Wardill broke the line and sheer determination took him through and over the white wash to score and he then converted his own try. That gave Beverley a boost in confidence and within minutes James McGahey broke through the Falcons defensive line with a fantastic run and made the perfect off load to Will Johnson who ran in a great try. Wardill added two points.
With 8 minutes remaining though the Braves could not relax. Substitutions were made to ease tired legs. Zak Mayo contributed so well in the time he was on both in attack and defence and Charlie McMillan improves with every match. Tony Usher made some vital tackles and Keenan Barker worked really hard. Farnley had not given up the fight and a player broke free down the left side but a last ditch tackle from fullback Wardill stopped a certain try.
A difficult high ball out to the right wing was dealt with so effectively by Conor Egan as he tipped it out of play. Farnley forced another try but it was too late and the whistle blew with a resounding victory to the Braves to knock Farnley off the top spot.
Man of the match was Joe Mankel who was rewarded for his sheer determination and power on the pitch.
Final Score: Beverley Braves 24 Farnley Falcons 16 | Reported by Sue Wardill
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