Trinity Reserves came out 18-6 winners in their first hit-out of 2018, seeing off a spirited Halifax outfit at the Mobile Rocket Stadium.
The Trinity coaching staff had the luxury of selecting 12 first-team players for last nights clash. Mason Caton-Brown caught the eye with a brace of tries, whilst James Batchelor also crossed and converted three from three.
The conditions were always going to play a big part and in the opening exchanges neither side could get a real foothold in the game, with the ball proving difficult to keep hold of in the rain.
Around the 15 minute mark, half-backs Max Jowitt and Christian Ackroyd started asking questions of the ‘Fax defence and shortly after created an opportunity for Caton-Brown. The winger didn’t need a second invitation and he evaded several would-be tacklers to cross for the games opening score. Batchelor was on hand to convert, giving Trinity a 6-0 lead.
Halifax showed a valiant response to going behind and Morgan Punchard forced back-to-back drop-outs with neat kicks into the in-goal area. But the Trinity defence was resolute and kept the visitors out before the break.
The second-half started in a far more positive light for Trinity and it wasn’t long until Mark Applegarth’s men started to take full control of the game.
Back-to-back scores within ten minutes of the second-half gave Trinity a healthy 18-0 lead.
Caton-Brown showed his finishing qualities to cross for his second try, before Batchelor got in on the act a few minutes later. The back-rower converted both tries, including a difficult one from the touchline.
Halifax remained patient and started to build some pressure inside the Trinity half.
They were rewarded for their efforts when Dewi Billingham crossed for what turned out to be a consolation score.
FULL TIME: Trinity Reserves 18-6 Halifax Reserves.
Trinity: Hooley, Kershaw, Andrade, Arundel, Caton-Brown, Jowitt, Ackroyd, Hirst, Hiddleston, Baldwinson, Crowther, Batchelor, Annakin. Subs: Barcoe, Wray, Schofield, Landu.
Halifax: Berry, Stringer, Butler, Newby, McGrath, Brook, Punchard, Morris, Cullimore, Calcott, Syme, Billingham, Davies. Subs: Mead, Etchells, Gibbs, Hampson, Oldroyd, Davies, Jones.