Saturday 2 February 2019 – National Cup 1st Round
Blackbrook made their return to competitive rugby with a sensational last gasp win over Ellenborough in the First Round of The BARLA National Cup.
The Cumbrians opened the scoring in the 2nd minute following a Brook error Kevin Hoban crossed with Owen Hoyles converting.
Brook reduced the arrears soon after when Aaron Hewitt supported a break by Ant Walker to go over for an unconverted try.
The home sides speedy winger Bobby Williams edged his team in front midway through the half following good work by Jordan Darwin however as Brook seemed to be taking control Kevin Hoban intercepted a stray pass to race away and score with Hoyles again converting.
As the interval approached Danny Fairhurst launched a speculative cross field kick on the last tackle which was collected by Jordan McManus who scored with Jordan Darwin converting. On the whistle Darwin added a penalty to give Brook a 16-12 HT lead.
Jordan Darwin added a further penalty following the restart however Ellenborough soon levelled the scores with a converted try from Lewis Fearon.
With 15 minutes remaining Jordan McManus added his 2nd try of the Afternoon to tip the balance was once Brooks way. The Cumbrians came storming back into the game with a close range try from Nail Gray leaving the scores level at 22 all as the game entered the last 10 minutes.
Ellenbrough seemed to have snatched the game with a drop goal from Hoyles and a very late penalty however there was time from Brook to restart the game.
Dan Parkes got his hand to the kick off and palmed the ball back to his team the ball was fed out to Bobby Williams who raced down the touch line he turned the ball inside as the cover arrived Brook spread the ball right to Matty Johnston who jubilantly went over to score the winner deep into injury time the conversion missed but it didn’t matter as final blew.
Dan Parkes was selected as The Heatrek Man of the Match.
Brooks reward for the win is a trip Halifax to face Siddal.
