Old Brodleians 2nd XV travelled to Scunthorpe on Saturday for what is always a tough fixture in the Yorkshire Premier Division. Chris Hartley had to withdraw with a stomach bug so Brods travelled with a patched up squad but one with plenty of quality.

The young Brods side made their intentions clear in the opening minutes, a powerful rolling maul sending the big Scunthorpe pack back 20metres from an attacking lineout. It was stopped just short but Brods were filled with confidence and up for the contest. Brods again threatened when Adam Standeven made a 20 metre break down the right but could not find Andy Clay inside and was smashed into touch.

Scunthorpe got back into the game with some big touch finders and numerous favourable penalty decisions and made it 3 – 0 after 10 minutes. Brods were straight back on the offensive, Aaron Fowler made a strong run down the left touchline. Andy Skinner and Perry Wilson were stopped short but DD Martin found Nathan Scott with a sublime pass and he powered over from 10 metres. Martin converted and Brods had a deserved lead.

Scunthorpe then dominated territory and possession despite some big hits from Laurie Hamer, Dom Cooper and Gaz Simpson. Scunthorpe pressured but could only gain penalties, three of which were put wide and Brods held their lead. Brods were unable to keep hold of the ball at this stage and the Scunthorpe pressure told when the giant second row crashed over for a converted try to give them a 10 – 7 half time lead.

Brods were immediately back level, a surging Scott run leading to penalty which Martin converted from 35m with a superb kick, 10 – 10. Andy and Dave Skinner were leading from the front and with Brods winning turnovers they began to take control. From an attacking scrum skipper Mallard found Standeven who saw space on the left and switched play with an arching 30m break, his miss pass found Fowler and he finished superbly at the flag with a gleeful finger in the air “no naked hurdle” celebration! 10 – 15.

Brods lead was cut to 13 – 15 with a penalty from the Scunthorpe stand off who was been given a torrid time by Scott, Fowler and Clay but it wasn’t long before Brods deservedly extended their lead. Chris Green had made a welcome return to the side on the wing and it was his 30 metre trademark weaving, smile on face run that put Brods into striking distance. A series of phases and quick ruck ball freed Andy Skinner who looked like he had taken a wrong option but then floated a brilliant 20m miss pass to Clay who put Simpson charging under the sticks for a superb try, Martin converted and Brods led 13 – 22. Martin then made it 13 – 25 with a penalty before Ramsden got naked hurdle fever and ignored Clay and Green on the overlap and was buried inches short.

Scunthorpe then rallied and tested Brods with some powerful mid field play. Clay had to be at his defensive best and Cooper won an important turnover to stop a certain try. Standeven then had 5 minutes of madness, disturbed after being called a “grey old f**k”, dropping a high ball, slipping and sliding under another and missing touch with a penalty to put his side under pressure. Scunthorpe clawed their way back into it after a series of close rucks, being awarded a dubious try in the corner. 18 – 25.

With only a try separating the sides Brods had to close out the game and did so in style. With the clock ticking down and Brods travelling support of DD’s dad, Harriet, Grace and Kez on the edge of their seats, a big Skinner hit freed the ball and after quick recycling Wilson stepped the cover and went 40m to the line for a quality score. The conversion was wide but the full time whistle brought Brods a quality result.

Star Men

3 pts – Perry Wilson, quality display at number 8, powerful in attack and defence, rising star.

2 pts – DD Martin, another quality youngster, improves with ever game, solid boot and some big hits in defence.

1 pt – Andy Skinner, solid in the scrum, big ball carries and a touch of skill for Simpsons try.