Late Surge Gives BARA The Cup
Published on: 6th October 2011
A strong final quarter helped the British Asian Rugby Association lift the 2011 Steeden Cup.
Five tries in the final 20 minutes of a hard-fought contest proved to be enough for a BARA side that had led for most of the encounter.
With man of the match Johnathon Milner always to the fore the BARA side – which contained 14 players from an ethnic minority background – had the better of the opening minutes; however, they fell behind on six minutes thanks to a Police try from hooker Paul Hughes, which Chris Cowling improved.
As the game hit the 15 minute mark Milner brought his side level when he converted his own touchdown and just five minutes later they took the lead for the first time when impressive centre James Brown charged over for another Milner improved effort.
Not to be outdone the Police hit back through second rower Jason Southwell and with Cowling keeping his cool the game was all square again.
The Police were now well and truly back in the contest and with half backs Cowling and Steve Brown pulling the strings they were beginning to look dangerous.
Stung into action BARA dug deep and they finished the first half strongly with two tries in the final 10 minutes.
Full back Aaron Henry managed to cross out wide to give his side the advantage, before a clever kick to the corner allowed winger Omar Alrawi to pounce.
Milner’s successful kick ensured that BARA took a 10 point lead into the half time break.
With coach Mark Robinson’s instructions fresh in their minds the Police raced out of the traps at the start of the second half and within five minutes had brought the contest back to level-pegging.
Full back Alex Clemie – who impressed all evening – gave his side hope just a minute into the second forty, before a close range effort from Cowling and his subsequent conversion meant matters were level once again.
The next 15 minutes proved to be a tense affair with both sides testing each other out defensively.
Eventually, with the game just passing the hour mark BARA broke the deadlock as centre Jermaine Akadaire raced in for another score improved by the boot of Milner.
A Milner drop goal nudged his side two scores clear before Milner, Saqib Murtza and Alrawi all crossed in a final BARA purple patch.
“I’m delighted to get a win and thought we deserved it,” said a delighted BARA coach Ikram Butt.
“The Police put in a great effort but in the end we had too much for them and made the game safe in the last quarter.
“Johnathon Milner was outstanding for us but I thought the whole side put in a great effort and it was very much a team performance.
“The team would like to dedicate the win to Alf Robertson and Mohammed Ayaz, both huge supporters of BARA who sadly passed away recently.”
