Bramley Buffaloes notched their first victory of the LHF National League 3 season with a 32-16 victory at Gateshead Storm.
The visitors opened up a 14 point lead within the first quarter with Kieran McDermott finding a space out wide to touch down on 8 minutes. Seven minutes later Gavin Buckley rounded off some great approach play and prop Richard Greenwood extended Bramley’s lead on 20 minutes exploiting some weak defence from the hosts.
Darren Collins, missed the first two conversion attempts, but a chance of kicker worked, and Shaun Flynn made it third time lucky following Greenwood’s try.
The Storm hit back with a try from Gareth Barron but went further behind when Damien Beggs and Luke Sellrrs crossed in the latter stages of the first half to leave it 6-22 at the break.
Gateshead came out with all guns blazing and took full advantage of a Bramley knock on with Jimmy Atkinson scoring in the corner.
The comeback was shortlived with hooker Simon Bowker and Shaun Flynn crossing the whitewash on 45 minutes and 48 minutes respectively. Sub Andy Wormald converted the latter try to move the Buffaloes into a commanding 32-10 lead.
Defences then gained the upper hand with both sides going close but it was left to Storm’s Chris Burnett to finish the scoring with a well worked try on 74 minutes.
Coach Phil Hellewell was delighted with his side’s work out: “It was vital that we gained our first victory of the season after the defeat at Coventry and we put in a strong and solid display in all areas of the park.
“We have two very tough games coming up against Woolston at home next Saturday and then away at Dudley Hill on Bank Holiday Monday so a win was essential from a confidence point of view.
“We started off very positively and to build up a good lead early on laid the foundations,” added Phil.