BEVERLEY slumped to a disappointing 34-10 defeat to relegation-haunted Rochdale.

The Beavers were a converted try down within two minutes when dithering in midfield and a wild pass let Rochdale in for a try from Gareth Adams which Steven Collins converted.

According to the club's report on its website, Beverley would have scored had Jade Gardiner not opted to hang on five metres out when a pass to his winger would have brought a touchdown.

They seldom again looked like scoring, the nearest they came was Ally Forth's break from a maul on the home 22.

Jamie Gill reduced the deficit with a penalty but indiscipline proved costly.

Beverley were constantly penalised for infringing at the ruck and, when backchat to the referee advanced play 10 metres, Collins cross-kicked to the Beverley corner and Jim Flitcroft gathered to stroll over for a simple try.

Another infringement at a ruck in front of the posts gave Collins an easy kick at goal for 15-3.

On the stroke of half-time Robert Neave went over for another converted try.

Turning round 22-3 down, Beverley conceded two identical tries which effectively wrapped it up.

Both were the result of poor kicks out of defence and resulted in Rochdale sweeping back downfield to send in Sean Campbell and then Thomas Helliwell.

After that it was purely a damage limitation exercise for Beverley although they tried to attack at every opportunity.

David Worrall was an inspiration and made several superb breaks only to find nobody in support.

Gavin Gibson, Francis Pickering, and Dale Hodgson were all prominent from time to time but the backs ran out of ideas.

They badly missed Duboulay at fly half and were inexperienced down both flanks. Richard Bussey is an exciting runner but he looked a good deal less effective in the centre than when he is attacking from full back.

Beverley got some consolation with a try by Gardiner which Gill converted.