Battling Yarnbury are beaten as Yorkshire One leaders Bridlington turn the tide in the closing minute

YARNBURY are in the middle of a triumvirate of games against the top three teams in the league.

After narrowly losing to third-placed York in their previous match they were hoping to provide a stern test for the unbeaten Yorkshire One leaders.

They certainly gave it their best shot and that should give the league’s bottom team heart when they face third-placed West Leeds on Saturday week.

The big crowd at Brownberrie Lane saw captain Jimmy Cryan deployed at centre in the absence of the influential Jason Avison in a bid to curb the threat of the Bridlington backs.

A poor kick off immediately gave the visitors the impetus and Yarnbury were fortunate that Gary Stevens was off target with an early long-range penalty.

It wasn’t long before Bridlington opened their account. Winger Gareth Roberts scored a try which Stevens converted after the home side had been penalised for a high tackle.

After defending for much of the opening ten minutes, Yarnbury started to exert pressure. They could not breakdown a solid defence but were rewarded for their efforts when Will Marshall slotted over two penalties to reduce the lead to a single point.

Bridlington are a well-drilled side and make the most of their opportunities. A quickly-taken penalty and a slick blindside passing move saw Stephens slip over in the corner for a try.

Yarnbury took the game to Bridlington and their pack made their presence felt. After the visitors were penalised for illegally halting a rolling maul the home side went for the line.

Wing forward Joe Bennett got the final touch down for the try and with Marshall converting from wide on the left to edge Yarnbury ahead.

Yarnbury were rattled and this was reflected and on one occasion surrendered ground three times for back chatting to the referee.

Yarnbury refused an easy penalty kick and went for the five-metre line-out only to be penalised for obstruction at the line.

The pressure continued as Yarnbury battered the line looking to increase their lead but could not find the gaps as Bridlington defence stood.

Eventually, with nine minutes to go, the away side got their opportunity when full back Ryan Girking was put away down the left and slipped the tiring defence to score in the corner to regain the lead.

Marshall at full back had a fine game and made another mazy run up field which was snuffed out with winger Tom O’Brien as the overlap unseen.

Bridlington were getting more ball in the final minutes and scored two more tries to flatter their efforts.

Stand-off Mark Welch chipped the defence before touching down for a try which Stevens converted.

Finally, Roberts touched down on the final whistle in the corner for an unconverted try.

The margin of defeat was harsh on Yarnbury who produced a marvellous effort. Hopefully, against mid-table sides in the run in they should get the points needed to avoid relegation.