17’s Cup Run Continues

Despite having lost twice to Sheffield in the league this season there was an air of optimism at the Hive on Sunday as we played host once more to the steelmen from South Yorkshire, this time a second round tie of the Yorkshire Cup. And that optimism proved to have some foundation with Bees looking sharp from the outset. Almost a carbon copy of the tie at Wensleydale two weeks previously, Sheffield returned the Bees kick off with interest. Bees full-back, Jack Meggit accepted the invitation of an early counter and was well supported by the forwards. Lewis Brook and then James Exley took it on then it was out to the backs but a fumble gave Sheffield the scrum and a chance for some ball. Good harassing from Pete Booth forced a Sheffield knock-on and a Bees scrum. But a great shove from the visitors won it against the head and the ball was down their backs for a score in the corner. It was a soft try – the result of uncharacteristic missed tackles in the backs. Sheffield put in another long clearance from the Bees restart – again Jack took it and set off. But a knock on by Bees gave Sheffield another scrum. Better work by Bees and a bit of sniping by Tony Butterworth prevented the Sheffield scrum half from getting the ball away cleanly and a knock-on in the ensuing scramble gave Bees the put in to the next scrum. That one was won and decent distribution along the backs found Andy in a bit of space – he sidestepped his way through most of the Sheffield defence only to be hauled down a few yards short of the try line but he was able to wriggle out of the tackle and cross for a converted try. A good take at the kick off by Ex and an offload to Jack for another of his forays into opposition territory. Jack attempted an ambitious pass as he was tackled but a knock-on gave the scrum to Sheffield. That went Sheffield’s way but a great tackle and rip by Nick Gore and possession was back with Bees. Bees were having a good spell; we were looking good with the ball in hand and were applying pressure when the opposition had it. A chip by Nick Gore was chased down by Matt Dilworth but Sheffield managed to clear for a line-out to Bees. Expertly taken by Liam Hagerty, the ball was whipped along the backs and we looked to have an overlap but as the pass was made to Ryan Wilson, the Sheffield winger nipped in to intercept leaving a clear run for a converted try. The try came as a sucker punch – it had been Bees that were looking the more dangerous but, as had been the case at Wensleydale, we stuck to our task and kept our belief. We continued to play good rugby and take the game to Sheffield; the forwards in particular were excellent – good support allowed us to make significant inroads into Sheffield territory, sucking in the opposition then releasing the backs for Harry Petyt to cross for a great rugby try. From the restart Bees were awarded an immediate penalty which was cleared for a line-out. Another clean catch from Liam Hagerty and it was Nick Gore’s turn for a bit of ducking and diving as he breached Sheffield’s defences for a converted try. That took the half-time score to 19-12. The second half continued in much the same vein with both sides playing good rugby and neither allowing the other side much of a sniff of a try. We saw some great support and recycling by the Bees forwards and plenty of adventure from the backs. Eventually a penalty awarded against Bees for offside allowed Sheffield to narrow the gap to 19-15 but an offside at the restart and subsequent dissent by Sheffield gave Bees a kickable (just) penalty. A great effort from Nick Gore had the legs but was inches wide so the score remained tantalisingly close. And Sheffield threw everything at us in the last 10 minutes but some great defence and a try saving tackle by Jack meant we hung on for a well-deserved victory.
This was undoubtedly one of our best performances of the season and builds on our previous two showings; bearing in mind that we lost 25-7 to the same side back in December, the progress is self-evident. On Sunday, we had the upper hand in almost every area and thoroughly deserved to win. The forwards carried and supported magnificently; the back row were like terriers snapping at heels in the loose; in the line-outs we won hands down with Liam Hagerty rightly voted man-of the match for controlled catching and distribution (Liam won all of our line-outs and a fair number of Sheffield’s). The backs were adventurous and exciting to watch and, with the exception of the first try, they defended superbly. All in all, a great team effort and lots of fine individual performances. More of the same required next Sunday – we have another score to settle!