A TOP-DRAWER performance saw Barrow Island maintain second place in National Conference Division Three, as they inflicted a first defeat of the season on leaders Beverley.

The East Riding outfit are already champions, going into the game at Rating Lane on the back of 17 wins and two draws, but they failed to hit the form that had seen them go unbeaten.

But Island never allowed them to get into their stride, as they completely outplayed their opponents in attack and defence in a 33-6 victory.

It was the latter that set the stage, the hosts producing one of their best defensive displays of the season.

Island were up for it from the first whistle, snuffing out any real threats with ferocious tackling, while with ball in hand they constantly piled on the pressure.

Man-for-man they deserve credit for two vital points that keep them on course for automatic promotion.

Island were soon on the scoresheet, with a Jake Carter first-minute penalty after Peter Rimmer was taken high.

Beverley came back with good play which saw full-back Billy Riby in the line. He kicked ahead, but Sam Jones was on hand to avert further danger and snap up the ball.

At the other end, a forward pass from Carter prevented a try for Joe Spencely, who looked destined to score.

Again, Beverley came back following a penalty, only for centre Sam Coleman to lose the ball 10 yards out.

Island increased their lead with a neat try from Tez Nueto, the winger snapping the ball up off his boot laces after good work from Carter and Ben Garner. The kick from the touchline from Carter was on target for 8-0.

Beverley opened their account when swift play along the line created space for winger Josh Poskitt to touch down.

But when dangerous centre Ben Naylor raced through a gap, he was met head-on by Sam Jones.

Four Island defenders combined to halt Alex Calvert, prior to Naylor being bundled into touch on the flag.

A counter-attack saw Jones race up-field, but he was tackled on halfway.

Island went down to 12 men on 36 minutes, with Garner in the sin-bin following a high tackle.

A minute later, they were reduced to 11, with Peter Rimmer in the bin, along with Beverley's Luke Inglish.

The visitors were awarded the penalty following the skirmish, allowing Poskitt to land a 50-yard goal for 8-6.

From the restart, Carter's kick went into space, and the advancing Dan White gathered and headed for the line. Although half-stopped, he managed to touchdown and make it 12-6 at the break.

Four minutes into the second period, the home side extended their lead as a piece of juggling from Nueto saw him cross out wide after taking another difficult pass from Tom Brannon.

A 16-6 advantage turned into 22-6 with Garner in at the corner after Jones had gone close, with Carter tagging on the goal.

Beverley tried to find a way through, but failed as Carter dropped a neat goal.

A rampant Island never relaxed as Spencely foxed the cover to score by the posts. Carter added the extra two points for 29-6.

To round off a good day at the office, Garner raced in at the corner for the final try.

Millom came out second best at Waterhead, losing 28-14 after leading at one stage 14-6.

Tom Sibley and Ross Brookes crossed for tries, with Lee Postlethwaite adding three goals, in a result that is a blow to their own automatic promotion hopes.