Brods march closer to the title

Report by Richard Turner

Brods celebrated another crucial win in their march towards North 2 East and their second succesive promotion in consecutive seasons now looks almost certain. It is still mathematically possible that Brods could fail in their quest however following Bradford Salem's surprise defeat at York today and Brod's win at Skipton Brods still look favourites to take the title .

With a strong westerly blowing down the field Brods laid the foundation for their win in a controlled first half performance against the wind in which they chose to play a game of close handling and in which they took their chances well.

Skipton were first on the scoreboard with a long range penalty goal after only two minutes play however Brods responded positively building the phases and with Callum Thompson, Luke Scrimshaw and Oliver Akroyd all prominent. Brods declined to kick for touch in the Skipton 22 choosing to scrummage rather than risk diifficulty with the wind in the lineouts and this succesfull ploy led to good ball for Doc Holbrough to glide between the posts untouched by defenders. The try was converted by Oliver Akroyd to give Brods a 10-3 lead after 10 minutes play. Brods continued to pick and drive close to the rucks and gained good territorial advantage as a result. The wind played havoc with the handling of both sides however whilst Brods were a man down due to an injury to Holbrough Skipton struck in the form of their fullback Maylor who broke the defensive to score between the posts and Oldfield converted for the home side to regain the lead. The Woodhead men fought their way back into the game with Andy Clay's strong run in midfield and his clever kick chased by Aaron Fowler nearly brought the reward of a try.Skipton scrambled the ball clear but Brods laid siege to the Skipton line and Tom Hanson got reward for a tremendous first half effort when he picked up loose ball at the back of a ruck and surged over the try line in an unstopable drive. The conversion was missed from the touchline and the first half finished with the back row of Hoyle, Scrimshaw and Akroyd combining to test the homeside defence once more . Skipton held out but Brods were happy with a strong first half performance against the elements and a first half lead of 12 points to 10.

Brods camped in the Home sides 22 straight from the restart. Skipton defended well and Akroyd was happy to take 3 points from a scrum infringement 35 metres out.Ben Hoyle was outstanding in the loose turning over posession and making life a misery for the Skipton captain and no 10 Oldfield. Following a strong break by Marshall a high tackle was punished with a further penalty opportunity for Akroyd who took the three points with a further well struck penalty from 40 metres. Danny Melia the Brod's scrum half was involved in everything and dominated his opposite number to such an extent that the Skipton 9 lost his composure nd was yellow carded for dissent and foul play. Brods tightened the noose in the Skipton 22 and the panicking defenders lost posession for Scrimshaw to pounce on the loose ball close to the posts giving Akroyd a further comfortable conversion and stretch the lead to 25-10.Credit to the Sandy Laners in that they continued to battle and gain a consolation try on the stroke of full time however Brods celebrated briefly in the dressing room and now look forward to sealing their destiny at home to York in two weeks time .

Brods seconds beat Scunthorpe by over 70 points and the Beavers a further home win over Wath 2nd team .