An under strength Whitby side , containing two rookies and a few  injured players ,played host to Sheffield in what was sure to be a close run game between two of Yorkshires premier teams and a welcome yard stick for Whitby’s semi final with Doncaster. The game started with Whitby looking to take advantage of the away teams journey and  the Whitby forwards gained a steady supply of ball for the backs . Off the back of a steady scrum on Whitby’s 10 metre line Alex Beaumount set off down field making his way down into Sheffields 22 off loading to Connor Cleannan who crossed the line for the first try of the match , converted by Sam Webster. After the re-start some sloppy play meant Sheffield had a sustained period of pressure  in the Whitby 22 ,but some determined defence on the Whitby line meant that Sheffield were kept out until half time .

The second half started in a much more even way with much of the play in centre field until poor disicpline from the Whitby team allowed Sheffield a line out close to the line and they scored from a catch and drive. This only served to rile up the Whitby forwards who gained field position and after a penatly for dangerous play allowed  Matt Dudman and Alex Beaumount to work a move down the blind side move and for Alex Beaumount to cross for Whitby’s second try. After this the match became scrappy with both sides defence cancelling out the others’ attack , until Sheffield scored a try in lucky circumstances . This meant the match was down to a two point lead in Whitby’s favour which set up a tense finish but luckily an understrength Whitby held out to win a close match.

Man of the match :Charlie Ashford for strong runs down the wing

Point scores

Trys: Connor Cleannon,Alex Beaumount

Conversion:Sam Webster 2

Final score Whitby 14 -12 Sheffield