2010 March » Beverley Sport

Ben Maher Leads Nominations at Next Months Awards Ball

Mar 132010

Britain’s leading rider Ben Maher has been nominated for three different categories at next month’s glittering annual Awards Ball hosted by British Showjumping at the Hilton Metropole, NEC on the 6th April 2010.

With Ben Maher’s career soaring in such a meteoric way, it comes as no surprise that he has been nominated for three different categories. The Awards Ball which has quickly become a key event in British Showjumping’s social diary and is heavily attended not only by those within the sport but by those that follow and support the sport as spectators.

Contesting the title of Leading International Horse/Rider combination with his consistent Robin Hood W, Ben is also challenging the Riders Rider and Personality of the Year award titles on offer. “It’s always great to have your achievements recognised and be nominated for one award. To be nominated for three is just superb and I’m really pleased that not only myself, but my owners Michael and Emma Philips alongside the rest of the team supporting me have received such acknowledgement” commented Ben.

With eleven awards on offer, many of Great Britain’s top riders are expected to attend and a full list of the Awards and the nominee’s for each category will be issued shortly. The Awards Ball supports the GB competition framework with all funds being re-invested back into the sport, so if you are able to attend please do purchase a ticket and join them for an evening that not only see’s the Awards being presented but includes a four-course meal followed by dancing to a live band until the early hours.

Five hundred guests are already confirmed but there are still some tickets available should you like to attend. Tickets are £80 per person and can be purchased individually, in pairs or in numbers up to a table of ten by calling 02476 698806 or online.

Waterside Top Beverley Soccer Sixes Table

Soccer Sixes No Responses »

Mar 122010

Waterside went back to the top of the table after a 3 v 0 victory over Not Very Athletic. Captain Phil Clarke showed his composure in front of goal with a tidy brace and defender Gary Wiles added a third to see the boys move clear by a point. NVA put up a good performance and their growth as a team was clear for all to see.

New referee Patrick Bromwich was given a real test in his first match, thrown in at the deep end in a tough encounter between rivals Real Soldierdad v ONE10. This was always going to be tight, and in the end a 1-1 draw was probably the best result, although it did see ONE10 drop from 4th to 5th.

Deportivo v Borrusia Teeth was also a close fought affair. Some good defending and wasted chances kept the score close, with a single goal from the sprightly fisher proving the only difference between the sides. Borrusia are still waiting for their first win, and face another tough test against ONE10 next week. however, their final two games of the season see the Teeth take on the two teams directly above them, NVA & Black Sox.

Kev Neale was again amongst the goals as Trogs saw of angel with a comfortable 3 v 0 victory. The trogs have games against Soldierdad, AJ’s, Weighton & BarceHullona to come, which could really shape the way the season pans out for several sides.

The final game saw BarceHullona face Black Sox. I say it every week, but BarceHullona really are in top form. they are 100% since the turn of the year and are moving up the table every week.

Andy Martin and his new blue predators seemed to make all the difference in this fixture. Andy bagged a couple of goals and was involved all over the pitch. with that been said, questions have to be asked about the defending in this league. Dan Piwinski now has 3 goals this season and has only played about 8 games!

After watching him play 30+ goals for reigning champions Shanghi and not get close (except for the one I disallowed!!!), to have scored in nearly 50% of his games this season suggest teams are getting slack at the back! – Soz Poo

The game between AJ’s v Weighton had to be postponed due to imjuries and lack of numbers in the AJ’s camp. My sources tell me Martin Moss had the Weighton boys doing laps around the village from 6pm – midnight to ensure they don’t drop a beat when they return to action next week. And what a big game it is: Weighton v BarceHullona!

Monaghan Predicts Easy Win for United

Beverley United 1 Response »

Mar 112010

Mark Monaghan of Beverley United can see no problems for this weeks fixture with Hop Pole. The defender is very confident United will claim all the points when the bottom side travel to Beverley.

Monagham said;

“This game does not pose any problems to us, there is no way this will be anything other then a win for United.”

With no injuries or suspensions manager Danny Williams has a full squad to choose from, Williams, himself has been forced to pull a shirt on this season though there will be no problems for this weeks games.

United have been through some troubled times of late, less then four weeks ago they were playing dream football as they beat Swanfiled A on the road, just seven days later and United were beaten at home by Hessle Rangers.

Monagham is not confident of starting, having missed a few games the defender is playing down any suggestions of returning instantly to first team action, saying;

“Well I always have done.. but I been away for lost few weeks workings loads so I don’t no if i will walk right back into the side.”

Form suggests this is a game Beverley United should win and it is hard to see any other outcome.

Beverley Sport Thinks – Home Win

Beverley Runner Gets Fastest Time at HALO Event

Orienteering No Responses »

Mar 112010

The Sledmere Hall Estate hosted the second round of Orienteering’s East Yorkshire Short Race Series on Saturday 27th February.

Organised by Humberside and Lincolnshire Orienteers (HALO), the event consisted of two races of 3km with a handicapped start calculated for the second race.

The Men’s Open was won by Paul Murgatroyd who had travelled from Lincoln for the event and the Women’s Open was won by Scottish runner Fiona Forrest, however the fastest time of the day was by local Beverley runner (and Junior England International) Zac Field who competed in the Junior Class.

All classes competed on the same two courses. The Juniors certainly showed the Seniors the way home as the two fastest times of the day were both from Juniors.

The Veteran’s class winners, John Butler and Helen Gardner were both from the York based EBORienteers club.

The next two rounds of the series take place at Driffield Airfield on March 20th and at Londesborough Park on April 10th. Prizes for the series have been generously donated by Start Fitness of Beverley.

Beginners courses will be available at these two events for anyone wanting to try the sport.
Further details at www.halo-orienteering.org.uk or by email to neil@halo-orienteering.org.uk

HALO also runs a weekly club night at Beverley Longcroft School on Mondays (6pm to 7:30pm) during term-time. New members always welcome. (Details available from email and web-site contacts as above )

HALO is a non-profit club operating for the benefit of the communities of Humberside and Lincolnshire. The Club has been in existence for over 25 years and has about 100 members who live mainly in East Riding, Hull, North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire. It puts on about 20 orienteering events each year which are run under the auspices of “British Orienteering” (the national body).

In the last few years HALO has been working with the East Riding of Yorkshire Council who, with its help, has established permanent orienteering courses at Humber Bridge Country Park and Sewerby Park. The Club has also worked with North Lincolnshire Council in setting up similar facilities at Central Park, Normanby Park and Brigg Town Centre. In addition, the Club has been working with the schools of the two Authorities, as well as those in Hull and North East Lincolnshire and has mapped over 150 school grounds.

Orienteering is now a major sport in education meeting the developmental needs, both physical and mental of pupils. It is an important vehicle for delivering Outdoor Adventurous Activity within the English National PE Curriculum as well as providing the opportunity for cross-curricular links with maths, geography and citizenship studies. It also offers an exciting multi-dimensional extra-curricular activity which was one of the reasons for setting up the club nights.

Orienteering can take place anywhere from remote forest and countryside to urban parks and school playgrounds. It is a great sport for runners, joggers and walkers who want to improve their navigation skills or for anyone who loves the outdoors. Orienteering – the adventure sport for all.

Neil Harvatt, Fixture Secretary, HALO
Can be contacted on 07800-784255 (not for publication)

Beverley Athlete Competes in Grantham Ultra

Beverley Athletic Club No Responses »

Mar 112010

Beverley Athletic Club’s Mike Blamires took part in the second running of the Grantham Ultra race last Saturday.

A series of two 29.3 mile races run on consecutive days, the course followed a towpath alongside the canal from Nottingham to Grantham. Those competing on the second day stayed overnight in Grantham on Saturday and returned to Nottingham via the same route on Sunday.

Blamires opted for day one only and finished in 20th position out of 105 competitors. He was delighted with his performance.

His tactics were to run steadily at 9-minute mile pace and finish in about 4½ hours. Between 18 and 20 miles the muddy terrain forced him to slow down slightly and he was overtaken by a number of faster runners.

Nibbling small amounts of food to maintain his supply of energy, he passed the marathon stage in 4 hours 8 minutes feeling strong and overtaking those who had passed him earlier. He finished the course in a very respectable 4 hours 36 minutes.

The race was won by Oliver Jeffcote in 3 hours and 18 minutes.

Blamires was using the race as preparation for the Grand Union Canal Race in May in which competitors are required to complete the 145 mile distance between Birmingham and London within 45 hours.

Hullensians Confident of Win at Leeds

Rugby Union No Responses »

Mar 112010

Hullensians travel to face West Leeds tomorrow knowing that victory is a must if they are to remain within striking distance of North Ribblesdale and Knottingley in the battle for promotion to Yorkshire League Division 1.

Hullensians had a comfortable 22-10 win over West Leeds in the home fixture, but expect a lot closer battle at the Bluehill Lane ground, where there have been some close-fought contests in recent years.

Hullensians will be without Mario Ellison, who has been ruled out with an achilles injury picked up during the 18-13 win over West Park Leeds last week, and Andy Walker, who is unavailable through work commitments, whilst Gary Mathews returns to the squad after injury and Simon Lazenby is available again.

Hullensians Hawks take on Malton 2nds at Springhead Lane, Anlaby, in a potential decider for the fourth play-off spot in the East Yorkshire Divsion 1 Merit Table.

Hullensians v West Leeds (Away, LS12 4NZ) Meet 12.00pm, Kick Off 3.00pm

Squad from: Dave Andrews, Phil Andrews, Darren Booth, JJ Burrell, Jason Conroy, Rich Gregersen, Ash Goode, Andy Krebs, James Krebs, Simon Lazenby, Tom McCarthy, Danny Marren, Gary Mathews, Joe Sanders, Paul Scott, Chris Smith, Andy Vernon, Gareth Watkins, Jason Young

Hullensians Hawks v Malton & Norton (Home, HU4 7RU) Kick Off 3.00pm

Squad from: Duane Jones, Conrad Bate, Steve Baillie, Gareth Fawke, Rich Whittaker, Levi Calgon, Mike Dunn, Joe Cooper, Tony Smith, Jordan Knapp, Clayton McCloud, Nick Padgett, Andy Shaw, Adam McWhannell, Jack Hare, Tom McCarthy, AN Other, SO Else

Westella Fight Back to Overturn the Rams

Beverley Whitestar No Responses »

Mar 102010

Westella & Willerby 5 Beverley Whitestar Rams 2
U11 Myton League
By Will Dennett

Westella recovered from a two goal deficit at half time to record an impressive 5-2 win over the Beverley Whitestar Rams in the Under 11’s Myton League.

In the first half is was difficult to call which way the match would go as both teams were very evenly matched with goal keepers at both ends having composed games.

Beverley finally did get the break when they went ahead after a freek kick was awarded. Given the distance of the free kick it appeared to not pose a threat though Dale Dennett stepped up and thumped the ball home.

As the game seemed to be going the way of the Rams, the Beverley sides were disappointed when not one but two goals were ruled out for offside.

Ollie Baldwin however doubled the Rams lead when he scored just before the break to give his side what looked to be a comfortable 2 goal lead.

Westella had other ideas and early in the second half clawed themselves back into the enjoying what was described as a ‘magic spell’ where they score twice including another cracking free kick this time by Luke Salas.

Then the sucker punch, almost right from the kickoff Westella scored taking the lead for the first time in the match. As Beverley Whitestar Rams pressed for the equaliser they were hit by a further two goals ensuring the home side got all three points.

Beverley Residents Urged to Join Millions in 2010 Swimathon

Swimming No Responses »

Mar 102010

With only six weeks left to enter Swimathon 2010, Beverley Leisure Complex is still encouraging people in Beverley to enter their Swimathon sessions on Sunday, 25th April and join thousands of other swimmers who are already limbering up to take part in the world’s biggest fundraising swim for Marie Curie Cancer Care and The Swimathon Foundation.

Beverley Leisure Complex is one of more than 500 pools across the UK taking part in Swimathon, from the 16–18 April 2010. For those who prefer to cheer on from the sidelines, they can still do their bit by sponsoring local people who are taking part in Swimathon by going to ‘sponsor a swimmer’ on www.swimathon.org or by volunteering to count laps (email info@swimathon.org) at Beverley Leisure Complex.

Coby Kemp, assistant manager, said: “We are so pleased to be running this huge fundraising event and hope that people of all ages and abilities help us to raise a lot of money for such a great cause. Swimathon is a great event to get involved in as it gives you a challenge to work toward, as well as raising money for charity.”

Zoe Salmon, TV presenter and the face of Swimathon 2010, comments:

“Swimathon is a wonderful event for anyone who loves swimming or fancies giving it a go. It’s an excellent way to get fit and healthy, and have fun with your friends and family. Swimathon is now in its 24th year and this year we are hoping to raise over £1.5m for Marie Curie Cancer Care and The Swimathon Foundation. I absolutely love swimming and can’t wait to take part.”

Duncan Goodhew MBE, Olympic gold medallist and Swimathon President, added: “Swimathon is a great way of raising money to help thousands of people across the UK. Swimming is up with the highest calorie burning activities, such as running. Swimming works and tones your entire body. It also promotes more supple, flexible muscles, tendons and ligaments – which has long term health gains. So not only will Swimathon help other people but it will also help keep you fit too.”

Swimathon 2010 is open to everyone, encouraging people to challenge themselves to swim 5k, 2.5k or 1.5k. For those interested in joining forces with friends, colleagues or family, the 5k challenge can also be completed as part of a team with up to five people. Why not get in the pool and help make Swimathon 2010 a huge success?

To find out more about Swimathon or enter for the 2010 challenge go to the official web site

McGill & Harding Bag Second for Beverley AC

Beverley Athletic Club No Responses »

Mar 102010

Barton & District Open Cross-Country Races
Baysgath Park
Reprted by
Anne Dalton for Beverley AC Juniors

Beverley AC juniors were out in force on Sunday in the pleasant surroundings of Baysgarth Park, Barton.

It was a nice change for the runners to experience warm sunshine and dry underfoot conditions after recent races in cold winds and through deep mud.

The competition at Barton was particularly fierce with many runners travelling to the event from West Yorkshire.

Peter McGill and Andrew Harding put in their usual excellent performance finishing second in the U15 boys’ and U17 men’s race respectively.

Nicole Dawson continued to impress in her first year in the U15 girl category, finishing 4th on the day.

The best Beverley AC team performance was from the U11 boys, who came second, led home by a rising star, Oliver Cockerill, who was 1st overall in the race. The other team members were Luke Chapman and Taylor Arnott.

Beverley finishing times
Under-11 girls 2 km
4th Morgan Dennis 8.21; Lauryn Garwood 8.59.

Under-13 girls 2 km
Dayna Arnott 8.03; Jessica Chapman 8.08; Kelly Dawson 8.22; Francesca Brittain 10.26.

Under-15 girls 3.2 km
4th Nicole Dawson 11.45.

Senior / junior / under 17 women 4 km
Kendall Arnott 18.26; Lindsey Brittain 22.49

Under-11 boys 2 km
1st Oliver Cockerill 7.25; 9th Luke Chapman 8.14; Taylor Arnott 8.37; Jacob Chastney 9.17.

Under-13 boys 3.2 km
Ethan Dalton 12.48; Connor Spilsbury 13.19; Alex Park 13.24; Tom Ottaway 14.16; Edward Prew 14.30.

Under-15 boys 4 km
2nd Peter McGill 14.26; 8th Curtis Arnott 19.45

Under-17 men 5.6 km
2nd Andrew Harding 21.37; 10th Kelvin Arnott 31.31.

Senior / junior men 9.7 km
Jordan Arnott 41.08; Mark Dalton 42.09; Corey Arnott 46.49; Neil Sergeant 48.45

Photos courtesy of Dave Gowans of East Hull Harriers

Beverley Darts & Dominoes League

Darts, Dominoes 1 Response »

Mar 092010

Beverley Sport got a chance to catch up with Phil Stebbens who is the Chairman of a local Beverley Darts & Dominoes League.

Stebbens who spends his day running the Beverley Camera Centre in the heart of Beverley spends his evenings helping co ordinate a darts and dominoes league.

Stebbings explains;

“There are three leagues we run on various days through the week, Trebles Darts, which is what you see on TV is held each Monday. This is very popular and this year had two leagues, Division A is best fo three legs while Division B is best of one leg.”

“Tuesday night we play Doubles board darts on a Yorkshire board, this game is far more skilful and you will find most darts players like the challenge. It is called Doubles as the board has no trebles or outer bull for the players to hit.”

“Thursday we run a 5′s & 3′s Dominoes league, unfortunately this event is not attracting new players however we are looking at ways to keep the sport alive and getting people involoved.”

The league comprises mainly of predominantly Beverley based pubs and clubs though there are some teams from Cottingham and Brandsburton ho complete. Local villages are invited to enter teams however over the years this has dwindled off a little that is though to be down to lack of public transport between rural communities on an evening.

The league is currently between seasons for Monday and Thursdays but the Tuesday league still has 3 weeks left to run before the grand finale that will see players take to the stage with over £200 in prize money up for grabs.

Final Race of the East Yorkshire Cross-Country League

Beverley Athletic Club No Responses »

Mar 092010

The final race of the 2009 / 2010 East Yorkshire Cross-Country League took place in brilliant sunshine at Sewerby last Sunday.

104 men and women from eight local running clubs ran the testing 6-mile course. The route took them across the cliff top, down and up the steep sides of Danes Dyke, round muddy fields and through a wood and then all the way back again.

Beverley’s James Pearson rounded off an excellent first season in the league by finishing in fourth position and as usual was first Beverley runner to cross the line. He was followed in ninth position by Aubrey Morell who has been a reliable and consistent member of the men’s team this season. Paul Clark had an excellent run and was the third Beverley man to finish. He completed all 6 races in the league and gradually crept up the finishing order from 51st in the second race to 21st in the final race.

Although the men’s team finished in third position at Sewerby it was not enough to move up the league and their final position was fourth.

Helen Storr, Sam Allen and Jayne Dale led the Beverley ladies home followed closely by Helen Briggs. It was a welcome return to racing for Briggs after ill health forced her to take a break from running last year.

The Beverley ladies’ team also finished fourth in the league but what they lacked in speed they made up for in numbers averaging 10 female runners per race whilst their nearest rival could only manage 6. If there had been a prize for the most representative team they would certainly have won it.

An award ceremony was held after the race in the Ship Inn at Sewerby. Local rivals City of Hull won both the men’s and ladies’ team prizes. Phill Taylor of Bridlington was first in the men’s individual competition and Scarborough’s Hestor Butterworth won the ladies’ trophy.

Beverley athletes took home four prizes: James Pearson was fourth in the men’s individual competition and Kay Farrow, Pam Atkins and Pete Watkinson all won first prize in their respective age category.

Beverley finishing times:
Men: James Pearson 34.28; Aubrey Morell 35.46; Paul Clark 38.04; Neil Bant 38.23; Steve Jackson 38.29; Andy Johnson 39.18; Pete Watkinson 40.00; Andy Tate 41.11; Rob Reid 43.43; Graeme Pittaway 44.16; Brian Richardson 45.54; Jed Holden 49.14; John Boardley 59.54;
Women: Helen Storr 45.43; Sam Allen 46.03; Jayne Dale 46.05; Helen Briggs 47.58; Angela Collins 48.08; Tanwen Gray 48.09; Dianne Coleman 49.46; Amanda Ritchie 51.16; Pam Atkins 53.25; Kay Farrow 57.20; Jacqui Dickinson 59.44; Elaine Julian 59.45.

Reported by Kay Farrow

Bronze Medal for Local Teenager in International Orienteering Competition

Orienteering No Responses »

Mar 092010

Bronze medal for local teenager in international orienteering competition Charlotte Ward, aged 17 from South Cave, competing for England, ran her way to a podium spot and bronze individual medal at the recent Interland International Orienteering competition.

The race is an annual challenge match between teams from England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, and Northern France. Taking place at Hechtelse in Belgium, on Sunday 7th March male and female competitors, aged 13 to 65, completed technically challenging courses in an area of complex forested sand dunes.

England secured overall victory this year by a narrow 7 point margin. Charlotte completed her 7km Women aged 18-20 course in 55 minutes.

A member of the local orienteering club, Humberside And Lincolnshire Orienteers, and local athletic club, City of Hull, Charlotte competes regularly in both orienteering and cross country / road races.

Charlotte is a member of the East Riding Talent Squad and would like to acknowledge the help provided by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and her orienteering club.

Archibald Returns to Action againt Hullensians

Rugby, Rugby Union No Responses »

Mar 082010

Beverley 2ND XV 12 Hullensians 20
Beaver Park, Beverley

Only five weeks on from the previous encounter between these two sides, in which the visitors inflicted a heavy defeat on Beverley RUFC, they again ran out winners although this time the result was in doubt until the final kick of the match.

In recent weeks Beverley RUFC have made things difficult for themselves and only start playing once they are several scores behind. Saturday was no different and it was only when they found themselves 17-nil down after 20 minutes that they started to play with any sort of vigour.

To give Hullensians credit they started brightly and wasted no time in getting points on the board when their standoff cleverly slotted a drop goal from their first foray into the Beverley RUFC 22.

This was by no means the same Hullensians team that had taken the Beavers apart a few weeks ago never the less they still looked lively and keen to run the ball wherever possible with Beverley RUFC struggling to contain their strong running centre and number eight who made inroads whenever they carried the ball and they had almost complete control of the scrum where Beverley RUFC were all over the place at times.

Beverley RUFC did take play into the visitors 22 on a couple of occasions but never seemed to have the self belief to really take them on up front and give the backs any decent ball to run onto. In fact from a Beverley RUFC attack Hullensians scored their 1st try. Slow ball was shipped along the back line and as the defence held firm a poor Beverley RUFC offload was gathered by the Hullensians full back who ran the length of the field for a converted try.

Ten minutes later it was 17 nil as another fine break from the visitors eight, albeit through some poor tackling led to another converted try under the posts.

17 nil down and Beverley RUFC were staring another mauling in the face. However they somehow managed to make it to half time without conceding again.

The introduction of Danny Docherty in the centres alongside the strong running James Graham seemed to spark some life into the Beavers and all of a sudden it was Beverley RUFC asking the questions of the visitors defence.

A few more changes including the introduction of Any Meagher, former skipper Phil Cromie, Jordan Thorne and Rich Cowley as well as the return after four months out injured of Ian Archibald at scrum half added further urgency to the Beverley RUFC attack.

A series of quick tap penalties had the visitors retreating and only poor handling when the Beavers were looking to stretch the Hullensians defence stopped Beverley RUFC troubling the scoreboard, only the culprit will know why he bought a pair of Teflon gloves!!!

Finally their endeavour was rewarded when play was taken into the Hullensians 22 and James Graham powered his way over to a well deserved try. The conversion was missed much to the disgust of the coach!

Still Beverley RUFC continued to move the ball at every opportunity but as they tried to push one pass too many handling errors crept in and the game became a series of scrums which was the last thing Beverley RUFC wanted.

With five minutes left Beverley RUFC did manage to string a few phases of play together and as the ball was spread left Cromie scooped up another loose pass and evaded several defenders to cross for a converted try.

Beverley RUFC did have one final chance to snatch the result in the final minutes but a 3 man overlap was ignored and the chance had gone. From the next passage of play Hullensians took the ball into the Beverley RUFC half and from a line out close to the Beverley RUFC line their fly half dropped another goal to put the result beyond doubt with the last kick of the match.

FT 12-20

Next up its Marist at home and Beverley RUFC will need to stop allowing the opposition to be almost out of sight before they start to play!

Atkinson Gives Blenkinsop ‘Goals’ for Thought

Hodgsons FC No Responses »

Mar 072010

Daniel Atkinson is hopeful his double strike and clinical performance against Howden will be noticed by manager Andy Blenkinsop. Atkinson who has spent much of the season on the bench scored twice in Saturdays win.

Atkinson speaking with HU17.net said;

“I was happy to play my part in the game after being on the sidelines for a lot of the season but I know I have to make an impression if I was to feature in the important upcoming semi final and cup game against my previous club Mill Lane United where I hope to carry on scoring.”

“My first goal came after I gambled on a flick on at the back post which I then headed it home from close range. New signing Wes Monterio then made a short pass on the edge of the area and all I needed to do was side foot my shot placing it in the bottom left hand corner.”

Hodgsons FC have one of the biggest squads in the league, with 22 players Ako will need to prove his worth if he is to be noticed by manager Blenkinsop, club Chairman Lee Hastings is rumoured to still be ‘scouting’ for quality talent as the club chases down a league and cup double though refused to confirm he was lining up moves for more players.

Tanners Clinch Valuble 3 Points on the Road

Hodgsons FC No Responses »

Mar 072010

Howden 1
Hodgsons FC 3
By Lee Hastings

A brace from Substitute Daniel Atkinson secured a valuable 3 points for Hodgsons FC. In what is a particularly tough place to go, Howden had chances but just couldn’t take them. In the end Atkinson was the difference between the sides with his clinical finishing.

Hodgsons FC took the lead on 9 minutes. Centre half Karl Wallis flicked a header home from close range. Scott-Jon Tyler had a great chance to double the lead minutes later, but his shot was struck straight at the keeper.

Chances came and went for Hodgsons FC, but they couldn’t add to the one goal already scored.

The second half was a different affair as Howden began to use their height advantage from corners and free-kicks. Although not clear cut chances, Howden were certainly asking questions of the Hodgsons FC defensive line.

The home team got their reward from the penalty spot after a dubious handball decision. Although keeper Matt Dexter dived the correct way and got a hand to the ball, he couldn’t prevent the ball from crossing the line.

Hodgsons FC now had to step up to the mark and push on for the victory. A substitute for Hodgsons FC saw Jordan Dexter make way for Daniel Atkinson. The lively Atkinson was straight away involved by heading home from close range putting the away side back into the lead.

He then grabbed a second goal and Hodgsons FC third. Atkinson received a pass from fellow substitute and debutant Wes Monteiro, and he fired in from just inside the box, low and hard to the bottom left hand corner of the goal.

Hodgsons FC also gave a start to new signing Richard Rose at centre half. He had a solid, workman-like debut with his new club.

Man of the match was Karl Wallis

Disappointing day for Beverley RUFC

Rugby, Rugby Union No Responses »

Mar 072010

ROCHDALE 34 BEVERLEY 10
by John Nursey

This was another disappointing day for Beverley RUFC who were well beaten for the second week running by a side battling to avoid relegation. After a fine run in mid season they look for the moment to have rather lost their way; in fact an unknowing spectator today would scarcely have guessed that of the two sides it was Rochdale who were the relegation threatened side. They went into this game with a good deal more determination and expectancy than Beverley RUFC and played some cracking rugby. Beverley RUFC tackled well in defence and tried heroically to play a running game but for them that is about as far it went.

The game could not have got off to a worse start for Beverley RUFC. Within two minutes they were a converted try down when dithering in midfield and a wild pass let Rochdale in for a try from wing forward Gareth Adams which Steven Collins converted. For a quarter of an hour Beverley RUFC enjoyed the better of the territorial advantage. They had plenty of possession but all afternoon it was slow ball from the forwards and the backs could make little impression. Jade Gardiner did once burst away and Beverley RUFC would have scored had he not opted to hang on five metres out when a pass to his winger would have brought a simple touchdown. For Beverley RUFC it was that sort of day. Increasingly nothing went right and they seldom again looked like scoring. The nearest they got to it was a lovely break by Ally Forth who nearly made it to the line when he broke away from a maul on the home 22.

Jamie Gill eventually reduced the deficit with a penalty but Beverley RUFC’s hopes once again quickly evaporated. Sadly for them indiscipline was never far away. They were constantly penalised for infringing at the ruck and when backchat to the referee advanced play ten metres Collins crosskicked to the Beverley RUFC corner where there was no sign of any defenders leaving winger Jim Flitcroft to gather and stroll over for a simple try. Another infringement at a ruck in front of the posts gave Collins an easy kick at goal and at 15-3 the game was beginning to slip away from Beverley RUFC. It was more or less all done and dusted on the stroke of halftime when a tackle on the Rochdale winger was badly missed and scrum half Robert Neave went over for another converted try.

Turning round 22-3 down the last thing Beverley RUFC needed was to start the second half as they had the first. But within five metres they had conceded two identical tries which effectively wrapped it all up. Both were the result of poor kicks out of defence which missed touch and resulted in Rochdale simply sweeping back downfield to send first winger Sean Campbell and then lock Thomas Helliwell in at the corner. Collins who had controlled the game superbly for Rochdale converted both tries from the touchline.

After that it was purely a damage limitation exercise for Beverley RUFC although to their credit they tried to attack at every opportunity. David Worrall was an inspiration at wing forward and made several superb breaks only to find nobody in support. Gavin Gibson, Francis Pickering, and Dale Hodgson were all prominent from time to time but the backs lacked any punch and in the end simply ran out of ideas. They badly missed the absent Duboulay at fly half and were inexperienced down both flanks. Richard Bussey is an exciting runner but he again looked a good deal less effective in the centre than when he is counter-attacking from full back.

Nonetheless Beverley RUFC somehow managed to hold out for the remainder of the half and at the death got some consolation with a try by Gardiner which Gill converted to bring a fairly respectable look to the final score. It was never less than an entertaining game but ultimately a disappointing day for Beverley RUFC.