Bramley Buffaloes Vs Bradford Dudley Hill - Bramley Buffaloes

  • National League Three
  • 14/08/2004
  • 14:30

The resurgent Buffaloes recent run of form came to an end as they lost out 20-30 to Dudley Hill in what was an exciting match.

An encouraging crowd of just over 900 soaked up the sun and witnessed the Buffaloes build up a 8-0 lead after just 12 minutes.

Chris Gardner popped over a penalty for interference on nine minutes and moments later converted a Mark Butterill try crafted from a sublime inside pass from Simon Bowker.

Just before the half hour mark Hill hit back as Lee Innes slotted over a penalty for offside and on 37 minutes Jason Lee broke through to touch down in the corner.

The Buffaloes went into the break leading 10-6 after Steve Gill notched a penalty but Hill recovered straight from the restart as Lewis Evans found a gap to touch down in the corner. The conversion from Innes put the visitors 12-10 ahead.

A concerted period of pressure on 50 minutes finally saw Marc Gibson restore Bramley’s lead with a close range try but Hill moved ahead just five minutes later as Jamie Brentley found his way through a packed midfield before stretching his legs to score wide out.

The conversion from Innes was soon followed by a successful penalty on 62 minutes and it looked all over for the Buffaloes as Lee broke free to touch down one minute later.

That made it 14-24 but it wasn’t over yet as Bramley pounded away at the Dudley Hill line and finally found a way through as Gibson grabbed his second try direct from a scrum on 70 minutes.

Steve Gill and Chris Gardner both went agonisingly close to levelling matters as Bramley kept up the pressure but it was Hill who had the final say when Lewis Evans flew over from close range, converted by Innes.

Buffaloes coach Phil Hellewell was disappointed but stayed positive: “It was another game we could have won but a few missed tackles cost us dear.

“We built up a good lead but it was always going to be close and we took our eye off the ball on a few occasions to let them back in before the break.

“Once again the support was terrific and that really came to the fore in the second half as we chased their lead.

“You could sense the expectation with a few minutes to go but we failed to deliver and it sets up a scenario in which we have to win our four remaining games to finish in the top four.

“We’re away at Huddersfield next week and then face South London at Bramley Phoenix on the 28th August. That game will be absolutely crucial!” emphasised Phil.

The Buffaloes have organised a Race Night at Stanningley next Saturday and anyone interested in attending can find out more details from the club’s website at www.bramleybuffs.com.