Late score earns comeback win for Old Brodleians
Old Brodleians produced a remarkable late turnaround to defeat Regional 2 North East high-flyers Scarborough 21-17 at Woodhead, on a day that also saw club stalwart Rob Jennings make his 250th first-team appearance.
Scarborough arrived in strong form under their new Head of Rugby and former England international Ben Foden, and they started brightly. Their quick, athletic back line struck first after 15 minutes, finishing well in the corner, before a superb opportunist kick-and-chase effort stretched the lead to 12-0 after 25 minutes.
Brods refused to panic. Led by captain Elliott Craven and with Jennings prominent in the tight exchanges, the home side worked their way back. After sustained pressure, Craven burst over under the posts, Josh Kelly converting to reduce the deficit to 7-12 at half-time.
With the slope in their favour after the interval, Brods' forwards came to the fore. A well-executed line-out drive saw Curtis Taylor touch down, Kelly's conversion giving Brods a 14-12 lead.
Scarborough responded with another well-worked try to regain the advantage at 17-14, and Brods suffered a further blow when influential fly-half Kelly left the field with an injured shoulder.
However, the Brods pack increasingly dominated the scrum, props Ashton and Sealey impressing alongside the tireless Craven.
Replacement fly-half Dean Slattery guided territory with assured kicking as Scarborough errors mounted.
With time running out, Brods were awarded field position just five metres out.
Their now-unstoppable maul drove over the line but the referee was unsighted. From the resulting penalty, Brods repeated the move and this time the try was awarded to scenes of jubilation. Slattery stepped in to the goal kicking duties to round things off with a fine conversion.
The final whistle signalled a 21-17 victory, greeted with huge celebration from players and supporters alike.
Scarborough played their part in an excellent contest, but Brods' character and forward power proved decisive.