Morley U14's edge close encounter in freezing conditions.

Morley started bright enough, rucking well, carrying the ball well but then losing it with a poor presentation or offload. This resulted in Beverley receiving the ball whilst still in the Morley half. So whilst Morley started well, Beverley started even better, pressuring Morley and kicking the ball into the corners and with some slick ball play and support play were soon over for a quick try barely 5 minutes into the game.

Morley regrouped and slowly edged themselves back into the game. Through some great tackling and defensive work Morley held their own and looked to push forward. Beverley too, defended well with each Morley break away they thwarted the attack. Morley were penalised time and again and with good ball n good field position the ball was given to Beverley. Morley kept their chins up and continued to battle for the ball and territory. This made for a very entertaining half and before you knew it 20 minutes had gone by.

Morley with a few change of personnel and positions upped their game and virtually from the kick off scored a wonderful try through some great running and support play. One try apiece, Morley carried on throwing the ball out to the backs, this seemed to rattle Beverley and 5 minutes later some great handling and support play allowed the Morley winger enough space to run around the defence into the corner and then sprint under the post, allowing for an easy conversion. Morley's tales were up and they began to enjoy the territorial advantage whilst the possession was evenly split. Morley started to put pressure on the Beverley line, going one way then the next. Suddenly a break away from a Morley forward went unchallenged through and past several Beverley payers for a great solo try near the post, another easy conversion. Three tries in a 15 minute spell from Morley looked like the writing was on the wall for Beverley.

With 20 minutes to go Beverley regrouped and got their A game back on the go, kicking a lot and going more for territory then forcing the mistakes, which they did. Further penalties against Morley didn't help the away side and within no time Beverley scored in the left corner, with the kick virtually on the touch line it was missed. Beverley still needed to score twice with 15 minutes to go. Morley held their own and pressed the Beverley line only to be thwarted by some excellent tackling then spilling the ball in the artic conditions, gave up good field position. It was now turning into a very even end to end contest. Then Morley lost their full back with a tooth knocked out, further juggling of positions meant Morley had to adjust again. Morley pressed still further and nearly scored, but Beverley were not finished and were soon at the other end of the pitch. With some strong scrumming and mauling Beverley created a few openings and Morley's sliding defence this time were caught short. Beverley scored in the corner and again a tough conversion was missed.

Morley comfortably eased through the last 2 minutes to gain a hard win in bitterly cold conditions. Beverley were a completely different team to last time and gave an excellent performance, especially in the kicking department and through good support play.