Bridlington 67 Yarnbury 0

IT’S proving to be a tough season for Yarnbury as they try to avoid relegation from Yorkshire One.

They knew that Saturday’s trip to the east coast to face promotion-chasing Bridlington was going to be no picnic and so it proved.

The home side, with a smattering of foreign imports, played an expansive game in the mud and always had the extra man as the ball was on the move constantly.

Yarnbury had to fend off wave after wave of attacks and without influential stand off Carl Paterson and backs Jason Avison and leading try scorer Ellis Gomersall, they were unable to turn the tide.

It can be argued that Yarnbury have more players than many other Yorkshire clubs and are competing well at second and third team level, but the lack of regular experienced players at first team level is impeding their progress.

The players who travelled to the east coast tackled their hearts out but were overrun by a more experienced team.

The game was in doubt on Saturday morning but a switch to Bridlington’s adjacent pitch did not impede the game.

Yarnbury found themselves under pressure immediately in their own half on the soft surface. Their early defending was assured and kept the Bridlington onslaught at bay for the first quarter.

The home side finally got on the scoresheet through their rampaging prop Paddy Waines. He went over at the second attempt from a five-metre line-out.

Full back Jack Arthur increased the lead when he touched down and made amends for squandering an earlier break when he threw the ball over his shoulder when it would have been easier to score.

Bridlington scored three further tries before half-time as they moved the ball in impressive style to create overlaps.

Their No 8 John Thompson and centres Ryan Girking and Jack Martin scored tries with Arthur adding the conversions.

The second half was a similar procession of tries despite Yarnbury performing well in the scrums and line-outs.

Prop Louis Atha, having his best game of the season, and the tireless Jimmy Cryan were the pick of the Yarnbury pack, but Bridlington dominated the breakdown and secured plenty of turnover ball.

Stephen Riley was tackling everything and leading by example but experience was crucial to the home side who were unstoppable.

With more tough fixtures ahead, Yarnbury will be hoping that their experienced men can return and play their part in keeping the team in Yorkshire One.