The Pythons showed their intent driving the away team off their first scrum. A home penalty at the breakdown sets up Jed Carr to drill the ball to the away 5m line. Adam Challis secures the ball, The Pythons set up the drive and Sandy Dunlop controls the ball to touch down in the corner, 5-0 on 5 mins.
Both sides exchange possession with some hard drives in mid field. Beverley gain a penalty 5-3 on 20 mins. Pythons continue with their forward dominance gaining ground with carries from Dunlop, Sam Rowntree and Hugh Tatlow. Beverley turn over the ball on half way, carry for 2 phases and the away 10 slots a rare drop goal from 45 yards, 5-6 . A return kick from the restart is fumbled on half way and gathered by the Beverley mid field. A kick ahead with a wet ball isn’t defended well and the away winger dives on the ball for a try against the run of play, 5-11. Clough ends the half with a successful penalty 8-11 half time.
Beverley continue to use the high ball at the start of the second half. Creating pressure in The Pythons 22 Challis and Dunlop led the defensive effort until indiscipline at the breakdown gives the away side another shot at goal, 8-14. Continuing with the high ball Beverley take advantage of a poorly returned kick running through mid field. A perfectly placed kick ahead and the away winger touches down 8-21.
Debutante Herbie Milton comes on and is quickly gaining yards at the phases. Tim Evans finds space and is held short, quick hands from Clough to Tatlow who feeds John Ward to dive over the line. Clough with the extras and the club points record of 447 and it’s 15-21 with 10 minutes left.
A half charge down and resulting off side penalty and the visitors widen their lead, 15 -24. Carr restarts with a deep kick, Luke Price-Gerrard nails his man and gains a penalty. Clough narrows the lead 18-24. Gaining the upper hand The Pythons pressure the Beverley 22 and win a penalty. Looking for the win Carr gains a 5m line out, Tatlow secures the ball and Beverley hold the drive. Clough moves the ball wide to Rowntree who is held short. The ever alert Clough sees Max Sharp in space and he dives over under the posts. Clough with the extras, 25-24, the ref bows his whistle for full time.
After the game Coach Bird said, “It’s a great feeling to get the first win on the board. The lads have continued to work hard on and off the pitch and this is their reward for that! This club continues to go from strength to strength. Away from the result the club have lots to celebrate today with two 1st XV debuts, a new club all time points record and another player to gain 100 caps”.
The Whittaker’s Gin MOM was awarded by Rugby Chair Mike Ruthen to Luke Price Gerrard. The league has a free week on the 7th followed by a trip to Bradford Salem.
