Beverley battle but fall short in their efforts

Hartlepool took a 10-0 lead during a five-minute spell in which they scored tries by full-back Adam Larkin and flanker Dan Boatman but Beverley quickly responded with a try by full-back Richard Bussey which was converted by fly-half Ian Archibald.

Beverley then took the lead with a fine solo try by centre Junior Tupai which Archibald converted but succumbed to a match-winning third home try on the stroke of half-time by centre Andrew Cheslin.

The second half developed into a dour struggle in which Hartlepool increasingly denied Beverley the possession they needed to turn the game round.

Beverley still had enough chances to win it but scoring opportunities on both sides were wasted through poor finishing.

Bradford and Bingley’s performance in a 19-18 defeat to Burnage had all the hallmarks of a tired end-of-season effort.

With all but the slimmest of mathematical chances of involvement in the play-offs remaining, the Bees had little to play for, which was in contrast to their hosts who still needed vital points to survive.

Burnage were the hungrier side throughout and the Bees never seemed to adjust.

Gavin Stead hit four penalties but the Bees were forever chasing, with their only try coming courtesy of Stewart Brewer’s fifth of the campaign.

Sandal registered a comfortable 42-15 victory over Altrincham Kersal.

Dave Martin stepped off the bench to score a hat-trick of tries while Dan McCormack, Jake Mulhern and James Stewart also crossed. Greg Wood added 12 points.

Sandal’s win helped bottom-club Morley, who could only pick up a losing bonus point in a 29-23 defeat to Lymm.

Koby Gyasi, Tom Clough and Peter Dadswell scored tries for Morley with Simon Bradshaw adding eight points.

Morley are two points behind Altrincham and seven adrift of Beverley.