Beverley RUFC round-up: ‘There is plenty of work for us to do’

Beverley RUFC first team coach Craig Hancock reflects on a tough set of fixtures in October

The Beavers are seventh in the Counties 1 Yorkshire table, after suffering three defeats in their padt four matches.

Hancock said: “Hullensians is always a tough place to go and, at the time they were the in-form team and sitting pretty at the top of the table with Goole.

“Tackling wasn’t at the forefront of either teams’ minds that day, and we lost 50-36. Credit to them, they wanted it more than us, and they had that little extra energy around the park.

“Next up came Keighley at Beaver Park. I had hoped for a reaction after losing the derby to Hullensians the previous week, but it wasn’t to be.

“This match was a much tighter affair, but one that slipped away from us in a ten minute period just before, and after, half time. Again, work rate and game management were lacking.

“After a week of stripping things back to basics in training and 11changes to the starting line-up from the previous week, a trip to Leodiensians was up next and brought us our only win in the last month.

“Everything that we lacked in recent weeks, was there in abundance for this game. Commitment, work ethic and team spirit. Despite the wholesale changes, and injuries during the game, we played as a team and I was very proud of the effort. 

“Our last game, against Old Rishworthians, was the day after the passing of club legend, Kevin Dean. I, like many of the supporters of Beverley RUFC, were lucky enough to be able to call Kev a friend.

“Throughout his time at Beverley RUFC, as a player and then supporter, he made many friends and he was ultimately part of the rugby family. From the highs of promotions, in the last 20 years, to the lows or relegations, Kev has been unwavering in his support of the club and players over the years. Just one of the many traits that led to him being loved by many. 

“The actual game against Old Rishworthians wasn’t the fitting send-off that I wanted for Kev. It was a tough day all round. I wouldn’t say I was being disrespectful in saying that Old Rish didn’t so much as win the game, it was more that we lost the game and gave them victory.

“Despite being able to pick relatively the same team as the previous week, the team was unrecognisable and we went back to old ways of playing as individuals. 

“There is plenty of work for us to do. The frustration is that we can compete and we can play great rugby. We just aren’t doing that at the minute. 

“The reassuring thing for me this season is the 2nd team that we are putting out regularly. They got a good win on the road at Grimsby and the numbers at senior training on a Tuesday and Thursday evening has been great.

“Having 34 guys training on a Tuesday or Thursday night is great for the club and I hope that carries on. The competitiveness of the 2nd team has allowed me to give those deserving a chance to play for the 1st team. That competition for places is what we need to progress. 

“I will end my summary by going back to Kev Dean and saying that my sincerest condolences are with Pam, Rach and the rest of his family and friends.”