L 7-41

By Charlie Hopper

Scarborough RUFC’s run in the Yorkshire Cup came to an end after Driffield ran out 41-7 winners on a breezy afternoon at Silver Royd.

Neither side managed to take control in the early exchanges with the visitors having an early chance through the boot of James Watts only for the penalty to drift wide. Despite putting in a strong defensive performance in the opening 28 minutes, the visitors took the lead with a converted try. Joe Robinson pounced on a loose ball and broke clear to score under the posts. Robinson was then shown a yellow card, immediately after the restart, for an infringement at the ruck. Matty Jones’ side came agonisingly close to a response when Joe Davies was held up over the line in the 32^nd minute. In the 35^th minute, Driffield doubled their lead courtesy of Adam Brankley. The Number 8 made a run from deep and cut through the defence to score. Watts added the conversion for 14-0 at the break.

The second half started in positive fashion for Scarborough as they went close, but a handling error halted their progress. Driffield then extended their lead even further as Watts kicked a straightforward penalty. The score stretched to 22-0 just minutes later as Brankley doubled his own tally in the 48^th minute. The Scarborough supporters, who had braved the conditions, finally had something to shout about in the 59^th minute. Winger Jonty Holloway took the penalty quickly and raced clear to give his side hope. Tom Harrison added the extras for 22-7. The celebrations were short living however as Robbie Rix intercepted a pass and ran from halfway to score out wide. It was 34-7 in the 67^th minute when Ryan Murray finished off a well worked try to extend his sides advantage. A converted try from Kyle Turner made it 41-7 before Ben Johnson was shown a yellow card for not being back 10 metres. Driffield rounded off a comfortable win by kicking a penalty into touch to book their place in the Yorkshire Cup final.

Glossop are the visitors to Silver Royd next weekend and Jones’ side look to make it seven wins in a row in the league.