The Buffaloes ended the regular season with a hard earned 38-18 victory at Carlisle Centurions, a result that sees the side finish in fifth spot.
Phil Hellewell’s team now face a crucial trip to Sheffield Hawks, who finished in fourth spot, next Saturday in the National League play-offs.
After a shaky start in Cumbria, Bramley drew first blood on 13 minutes when Shaun Flynn took a short pass from Gavin Buckley to dart over from 15 yards. Flynn’s conversion made it 6-0.
Two minutes later the Centurions marched up the field to grab an equalising score but the Buffaloes didn’t have to wait long, regaining the lead when Neil Foulds found a gap out wide to touch down on 22 minutes.
Five minutes later Aussie back rower Paul Cummins notched the try of the game with a mazy run past six defenders from 30 yards out. Flynn converted both to put the Buffaloes in control at 18-6.
A lapse in concentration led to the hosts reducing the arrears just before the break but normal service resumed on 55 minutes when Carlisle’s full back spilled a high ball and Gavin Buckley took full advantage. Flynn kicked the extras and then added another two moments later with a penalty for obstruction.
Foulds notched his second try of the game on 67 minutes finishing off an impressive move involving Marc Gibson and Tim Orr to make it 32-12 with Flynn’s conversion.
Carlisle went over for their third try on 69 minutes
Richard Greenwood had the final say by barging his way over from 10 yards out on 72 minutes to make it 38-18.
Hellewell was pleased with the result but less than convinced by the performance: “We were pushed all the way today and I have to say Carlisle is a vastly improved side.
“We notched six tries at crucial times but they kept coming back at us. We made some big errors but got away with it and now we have to turn our attentions to next Saturday.
“It would have been great to have finished fourth but we have the chance to see exactly how far we’ve come by facing the team we drew with on the opening day of the season.
“It should be a thrilling battle and I’d urge all Bramley fans to get down to Sheffield and give us some support. We’ll need it next week if we are to extend our season and keep alive hopes of winning the grand final at Widnes on October 10th,” added Phil
