Rishworthians beaten by pace in semi-final defeat
Old Rishworthian were denied a place in the Papa John’s Counties 1 North Shield final when they suffered a 46-27 home loss to Beverley on Saturday.
It was that pace, especially out wide, which saw the East Yorkshire side through, with their wingers scoring five of their seven tries.
The first half was an even contest, ending 15-13 in the visitors’ favour, but it might have been different if Rishworthians had been more clinical, with several giltedged chances going begging.
The second half saw Beverley take charge and capitalise on home mistakes to score five tries and ease through to the final.
Rishworthians started well and might have scored in the opening minutes, but for a knock-on near the line after good play by number eight Nick Faulkner and scrumhalf Luke Sutcliffe.
Flanker Greg Withers pounced on a loose ball before it went out for centre Chris Robinson to score. Fullback Rangi Kui’s conversion attempt hit the post.
Beverley hit straight back andrightwingSamBayeshad too much pace and touched down an unconverted try in the corner.
Luke Sutcliffe was there again to burst through before the forwards took play on. The ball came out and, despite a loose pass, centre Kurt Sutcliffe was able to gather and touch down in the corner. Kui’s conversion missed, but he was then on target with a penalty.
Beverley hit back with a converted try from a line-out catch and they took the lead with a penalty after Luke Sutcliffe was yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on just before the break.
With Rishes a man down, Beverley were quick to capitalise with an unconverted first try for Jake Boardman and a second converted try for Bayes.
Robinson almost got over in the corner before a kick from Doug Heseltine was dropped by the defence and Withers was there again to gather. The ball came out and replacement Finn Sutcliffe darted over. Kui’s conversion cut the deficit to seven.
It was Beverley’s cue to hit back with Boardman’s pace being too much for the defence as he broke away for a converted try.
Max Bayes then crossed before Boardman added another try but Rishes finished with a flourish and Doug Heseltine burst through for his side’s fourth, converted by Kui.