JOHNNY BREWERTON, who has been heavily involved with Sharlston Rovers for almost three decades, is still basking in the glow of the Wakefield outfit’s narrow win over Cutsyke Raiders in the recent BARLA Yorkshire Cup Final, which took place on the last Sunday of 2024 in Featherstone.
Rovers owed their 18-16 win to a late try by stand-off Michael Wise, who somehow dotted down despite the attentions of three defenders, plus Ian Jackson’s third conversion from as many attempts.
Wise, in fact, was central to the victory, having denied outstanding Raiders halfback Calvin Sandu with a desperate ankle-tap midway through the first half. Had Sandhu scored, the Castleford side would in all likelihood have gone 16 points clear and subsequently lifted the trophy.
But Sharlston forced their way back into the issue to lead 12-10 at the interval before Cutsyke regained the advantage with Sandhu’s second try (Mason Millington claimed the other) and Mac Penney’s second goal.
Rovers, who had opened through Joe Childs and Ryan Butterworth, were not to be denied, despite having Josh Harrison yellow-carded shortly after the Castleford side had gone in front.
Sharlston are a club with a rich history but Brewerton agreed: “That hard-fought win, in a game between two very good sides, has to be up there with any we have had previously.
“There wasn’t a secret behind it – we made a couple of substitutions during the first half that helped us get into the game from ten points down and, in the second half, we managed to come out top against a determined outfit.”
For all Wise’s input, the clear man of the match was prop Chris Bingham, who was also one of Rovers’ coaches alongside Danny Field and Lee Garside.
“He led from the front throughout, including pre-match,” said Brewerton, “he’s a true leader.
“Our victory showed people that we can do it, and I’m especially delighted for those lads who have been with us for a long time and have perhaps had little to show for so much effort.”
He concluded: “We’ve been there or thereabouts for a while, but we’ve maybe not been able to turn it on every week. Hopefully we can kick on from this, and maybe attract more players to the club.”