NOTTINGHAM Outlaws put their disappointing defeat at Valley Cougars behind them with a convincing 48-14 victory over basement side Bristol Sonics at Highfields.
Despite a number of last-minute changes to the line-up the Outlaws put on a superb eight-try scoring performance to warm the hearts of the home fans on what was a cold, windy day.
After an edgy start, a superb passing move down the left saw leading scorer Jimmy Goodwin sweep over the whitewash for the opening score.
A spirited Bristol outfit hit back, forcing an error from the Outlaws as Sonics winger Freddie Blanks levelled the scores at 4-4 after 12 minutes.
In a devastating spell midway through the first half, the Outlaws racked up three unanswered tries in eight minutes to sweep into an 18-4 lead.
First, second rower Coryn Ward went on a bustling run out of his own half, splitting the Sonics defence to take the Outlaws into the visitors’ red zone. With the cover stretched, Oliver Crick moved the ball wide with a lovely 20-metre pass that saw Goodwin double his tally.
Loose forward Dan Smith then exploited another Ward break by switching play down the blindside, and once again it was Goodwin who showed the way over the whitewash to complete his hat-trick of tries in a devastating 15-minute spell by the Nottingham centre.
The third try also came down the Bristol right side, with winger Sam Campbell doing the damage, making a half break down the left before cutting back inside for the supporting Crick to score.
The Outlaws then started the second half with a bang when Jonny Shields picked up a loose ball on his own 20-metre line and the young full-back spotted a gap, pinned back his ears and went on an 80-metre foot race that saw him evade the covering defence to score under the sticks for a fine solo effort, which he converted himself.
Hooker Si Morton then twice went over for tries when selling a dummy to the defence close out to score for 36-4.
It could have been an 11-minute hat-trick but he then unselfishly off-loaded to the supporting Adrian Chaima and the young winger celebrated his return to first-team duties with a try that Tasker again converted for 42-4.
Sonics pulled a try back, only for second rower Joe Barton to stride over with a fine show of speed to round the full-back and make it 48-10, with Tasker adding the extras.
However, the last word went to a valiant Bristol team that refused to throw in the towel as Fraser Robinson swept in for a late consolation try.
The man of the match award went to Crick, who marked his return to the team following the birth of his daughter with a superb display at number six.
Next for Outlaws is a trip to face a Hallamshire Eagles side that currently have a 100 per cent record in National Conference South.
Article source: http://www.venere.com/blog/2014-6-nations-rugby-wales/
Rugby League: Nottingham Outlaws sweep aside basement side Bristol
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