Hazell stars as Beavers go 2nd

BEVERLEY moved up to second in Yorkshire One with a 29-17 victory over Old Rishworthians.

After 20 minutes Beverley were 24 points up with a four-try bonus point in the bag, but entering the last quarter the Beavers had their work cut out to finish with the win.

The first quarter was a purple period as Beverley went ahead after five minutes through Alex Mcpeake’s try which Rob

Smith converted.

Five minutes later a nice break by Jacob Holmes led to Luke Hazell going over in the corner.

After 17 minutes Beverley broke away from their own 22 and some smart inter-passing between Hazell and Will Turnbull ended with Hazell crossing for his second try.

Raymond Coates touched down after some spectacular dodging about by Smith on the visitors 22.

After that it all went downhill as Beverley lost their edge. A try under the posts just before half-time by William Mcdonnell, following a penalty kick to the corner, got Rish on the scoresheet and with Joshua Kelly adding the conversion it was 24-7.

For 20 minutes after the break Rishworthians played with flair and a renewed confidence. Some smart interpassing from halfway brought them a try by George Wright, quickly followed by another in the corner for Mcdonnell for 24-17.

But with a quarter of an hour left salvation was at hand for Beverley. A Beverley attack deep in Rish territory went wrong, the ball was lost and it was kicked clear upfield.

Unfortunately hoisting a high kick upfield where Hazell is waiting underneath it is seldom a good idea. Hazell fielded the ball just outside his own 22 and set off, leaving a trail of would-be tacklers in his wake and went over in the corner.

Thereafter with a 12-point cushion and time running out they were able to see the game out comfortably.