Saints Reserves braved Storm Eunice and kicked off their season with a hard fought 12-10 victory over Bradford Bulls Reserves at Ruskin Sports Village on Friday night.
Despite the tough conditions, the game got off to a good start for Saints after Jumah Sambou went over in the corner as Saints worked the ball to the left wing following a scrum.
As things stand tonight’s Reserve season opener is ON! 😬
Entry is FREE for anyone who wants to brave the rather strong wind here at Ruskin Sports Village! 🎟 #COYS pic.twitter.com/KPD8yiswEk
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) February 18, 2022
The game continued to provide opportunities, but with the wind worsening neither side could capitalise. That was until Bradford’s Joseph Burton went over underneath the sticks. The try was converted meaning the Bulls went in leading at half time.
After the break, Saints looked motivated and quickly responded through a Jon Bennison try. Martyn’s kick unfortunately struck the post in the swaying wind!
The ‘arm wrestle’ continued in the second half before an impressive cut out pass from the Bradford full back, put right winger Antony Dyne in at the corner.
Saints continued to battle and looked for a winning try of the back off strong carries from James Bell and Lewis Baxter.
And that’s what we got as the game was decided by a late Daniel Moss score following a strong kickchase, forcing the Bradford error.
Ian Talbot’s men saw the game out well and kicked off their campaign with a hard fought win.
Thank you to all the Saints spectators who braved the weather!
FT: Saints Reserves 12-10 Bradford Reserves 🔴⚪️
We fight back and secure a late win, thanks to a Daniel Moss try! 👏#COYS pic.twitter.com/SOzFPQFAXF
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) February 18, 2022
Match Summary
Saints Reserves Team: Jon Bennison, Shay Martyn, Rio Corkill, Daniel Hill, Jumah Sambou, Ellis Archer, Daniel Moss, Lewis Baxter, Jake Burns, Sam Royle, Ellis Keppel, Reece Sumner, James Bell.
Interchanges: McKenzie Buckley, George Delaney, Kalan Devine, Alfie Sinclair.
Tries: Sambou 8′, Bennison 50′, Moss 74′
Conversions: Martyn 0/3
Bradford Bulls Reserves Team: Coby Nichol, Anthony Dyne, Eldon Myers, Joseph Burton, Jayden Myers, Taylor Mail, Lewis Camden, Marcus Green, Jaden Barraclough, Adam Horner, Samuel Arundel, Reece Ripley, Anser Mudoti.
Interchanges: Myles Lawford, Harry Gray, Dalton Desmond-Walker, Liam Buffet.
Tries: Burton 36′, Dyne 67′
Conversions: Lawford 1/2
HT: 4-6
FT: 12-10
