GUISBOROUGH suffered another agonisingly close defeat on their travels, losing by 26-24 against Old Brodleians.

The home team stormed into a 19-0 lead as Guisborough struggled to cope with a strong, physical unit who offloaded well out of the tackle to score three tries in the opening 15 minutes. However, great work by the visitors after this initial onslaught saw Alex Ruff score to reduce the arrears, going into half-time with the scoreboard reading: Old Brodleians 19 points, Guisborough 5 points.

Guisborough had the better of the second half, despite playing uphill. Great pressure from the re-start saw the Priorymen backline attack and create space for Ruff to score his second try of the game and Joe Whyman added the conversion. The home team increased their lead against the run of play. Breaking from their 22 following a rolling maul, the initial attack was defended well. However, recycled ball and poor tackling allowed the hosts stand-off to score under the posts.

Undeterred, Guisborough rallied and astute kicking by Whyman and Jack Robinson saw Phil Shields and PJ Finken-Hayes go close to scoring. Guisborough were eventually rewarded for their efforts when Whyman spotted a gap in the hosts’ defence and romped over to touch down under the posts. He duly added the extras to bring his team within touching distance of their opponents.

In ascendancy, Guisborough attacked once more. Their backline combined well with excellent passing to create space for Finken-Hayes. Still with plenty to do, the winger managed to squeeze over in the corner for a fine try. Whyman was not too far away with the difficult conversion, but was unable to add the extras which would have brought the scores level. There was no time for Guisborough to press for a winning score as the referee blew his whistle for full-time with the scoreboard reading: Old Brodleians 26 points, Guisborough 24 points.

Tomorrow, Bradford Salem are at Belmangate and the Priorymen will go again and hopefully get their first win of the season which, for the effort they have put in, will be well deserved.