BEVERLEY RFC 17 v DMPRFC 30

On resuming league activity after such a long lay off, the game may have been seen to be an opportunity for players to re-introduce themselves slowly back in to the rigours of physical activity.

Thankfully, the debacle against West Hartlepool conversely worked in our favour, as we went about our business in the usual fashion, leaving behind a Beverley side which appeared to lack the necessary match practice.

After the initial pitch shenanigans were ironed out, the game was played on the much smaller second team paddock, where the home side may have thought would suit their style of play. However, it was Mowden who adapted better and looked more comfortable from the outset.

Robin Eatough (pictured) broke the deadlock after 14 minutes, carving his way to the corner after good progress across the back line. Gavin Painter precisely dissected the uprights to put the visitors deservedly ahead.

The Beverley side were again ably led by their open side, Worrall, who was always at the heart of everything for the home team and their lively inside centre, Tupai, orchestrated most of their activities.

A penalty awarded for offside in midfield allowed Beverley to get off the mark, however forays into opposition territory were few and far between for the home team.

Will MaCaulay found the home defence wanting, squeezing through the defence and running the remaining twenty metres to touchdown under the posts, allowing easy afters from Gavin Painter.

As Mowden pushed for further tries, Beverley infringed repeatedly, allowing Gavin Painter slot two of the three chances he was given to increase Mowden’s tally.

At 3 – 20 down at half-time, Beverley could have capitulated, but a mixture of pride on one hand and a concentration lapse from the Mowden players on the other, conspired to add a degree of fight back from the home contingent.

Admittedly, this was no too evident immediately after the restart, when Robin Eatough again galloped through the defence for his brace, giving Gavin Painter a more difficult opportunity to add points, which he did with aplomb.

Beverley then stepped up to the plate scoring two tries of their own, both from forward excursions, one of which was converted.

In between, Gavin Painter managed another penalty to underline a fine kicking display.

Although the points scorers usually get the plaudits, there were notable contributions from locks Michael Forde and Peter Taylor, who together with the pack in general led the way. Also solid performances from Ben Snook and Ian Hodgson, who together with their back line colleagues, ploughed hard through the mud.