W 28-25

By Charlie Hopper

Scarborough RUFC picked up their first win of the season following a thrilling second-half comeback to beat Sandal, 28-25, at Silver Royd on Saturday.

In windy conditions, it was Matty Jones’ side who got off to a quick start and they made sure that the home crowd had something to shout about in the early exchanges. In the 11^th minute Euan Govier was presented with the perfect opportunity to break through and score under the posts for a 7-0 lead. The visitors responded well and reduced the deficit in the 17^th minute courtesy of an unconverted try from a driving maul. Scarborough were then reduced to 14 men, when Sam Else was shown a yellow card and Sandal made the extra man count by scoring on the brink of half time. Fly-half Adams found himself in space and scored his sides second try of the match to head into the break with a 10-7 lead.

The second half got underway, and Scarborough took the lead once again courtesy of winger James Long. Joe Davies broke clear down the pitch before Long collected the pass and sprinted clear to score. Connor Ward added the extras for 14-10. The Regional One North East outfit then showed their quality with back-to-back tries in the 63^rd and 68^th minute. Firstly, Bainbridge scored in the corner before Pitchford finished off a continued period of pressure for 20-14. Hooker Jake Lyon then came agonisingly close to bagging a try of his own but it was ruled out by referee Josh Walker. The home side, who were without a win this season, came roaring back and took a narrow one-point lead in the 73^rd minute. Davies, once again at the centre of the move, looked to offload to Ward but the Sandal man prevented the pass. Walker awarded a penalty try and showed the Sandal man a yellow card. In the final exchanges of the match, Scarborough cemented the victory as Davies kicked the ball past the defender before collecting and scoring. The visitors had the final say in the game and scored a try out wide after they took the penalty quickly. The conversion sailed wide, and the referee brought the game to an end, as Scarborough ran out 28-25 winners.

Scarborough are back at home next weekend as they host Goole at Silver Royd. They have also found out their Quarter-Final opponents in the Yorkshire Cup when they will face Morley on Saturday 25^th November.