The Nottingham Outlaws travelled to New Earswick in York on Saturday for their latest, Yorkshire Premier League outing, still searching for a win after a run of six successive defeats.
Once again they travelled with a squad ravaged by injury and Covid withdrawals, and, despite some good spells, and plenty of effort, they could not avoid another heavy defeat, losing 46-6.
The travelling faithful have read the pre-match script before, the Outlaws once again having to dig deep into the reserves with the experienced combination of Stew Readhead and Dave Ivemey being drafted into a stint on the bench, Josh Burgin came in on the wing for his first senior outing this season, and he was joined by Brad Moss, in the hooking role, who was also having his inaugural run out.
Starting in what was cool, blustery conditions, the Outlaws made their now customary bad start to the game, leaking a try almost from the start and on the back of some poor defensive work out wide, trailing 4-0 in the opening minutes.
Despite the setback, the Outlaws battled back strongly and a superb line break by the effervescent Cunliffe saw the fleet-footed full-back break clear before drawing his opposite number and releasing Coryn Ward, he scooting under the posts to level; Cunliffe added the extras and, at 6-4, the Outlaws found themselves in front in a match for the first in many months.
Despite that brief injection of hope the Outlaws couldn’t capitalise on their lead.
The negative aspects of their game that have dogged them all season, poor defence, and poor ball-retention soon resurfaced, and any hopes of a much-needed victory, soon faded.
Indeed, the Outlaws lead only lasted eight minutes, and their defensive frailties were exposed yet again, the home side scoring to take a 10-6 lead.
The remainder of the half saw the home side repeatedly exploit numerous weak spots in an Outlaws defensive unit that lacked any sort of line speed, and, as a result, the New Earswick front six were able to make huge inroads on the defence at every set, with a stranglehold on possession, and field position, the home team would run in three further tries to leave the Outlaws trailing 20-6 at the half.
If the Outlaws stood any chance of getting something from the game it was vital they got an early score from the restart.
That early score did come, but unfortunately, from an Outlaws perspective, it went to New Earswick, who exploited some weak defending and stretch their lead to 26-6, the game effectively over at this point.
Despite the setback the Outlaws did their best to hit back and once again they were led from the front by ‘Captain Courageous,’ Coryn Ward, who led the way with some big hits and several strong carries, he being supported by some sterling efforts from player-coach Adam Cunliffe, and the rapidly improving Roddy Jonas, he putting in a great, defensive shift.
Whilst the Outlaws continued to do their best to get something out of the game they were always second best to a New Earswick side that was growing in confidence by the minute, and, as the second stanza progressed, the Outlaws tired quickly, the defence melting away as the home side ran in another four tries, closing out the game at 46-6.
Despite the reversal there were a few individual performances worthy of note, not least that of man-of-the-match Coryn Ward who never took a backwards step, and now, as the players lick their wounds, they did so knowing that they now sit at the bottom of the Yorkshire Premier Division with the season rapidly reaching a climax.
However, they do now have a run of four, consecutive home games, starting with play-off hopefuls, Cutsyke Raiders, they visiting Lenton Lane on Saturday (31 July), kick-off at 14:30.
*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).
*Main image @outlawsRL Nottingham on the attack but fall to seven defeats in a row.