NOTTINGHAM Outlaws suffered an agonising 26-24 defeat at the home of unbeaten league leaders Sheffield Hallam Eagles.
In a tense game, played on an artificial 3-G pitch, the Outlaws led 24-0 after 25 minutes but they just failed to hold out as the Eagles hit back.
Outlaws soon turned their early pressure into points on six minutes with the first try.
George Strachan went on a searing run, knocking over two defenders. As the cover defence came in, he off-loaded to Si Morton, who in turn released Oliver Crick to go over. Jonny Shields converted for 6-0.
They extended their lead as Sam Andrews went on another bustling run, before a quick play saw Reece Needham latch on to the ball at pace, and he showed great strength to hold off the defence to score the try. Shields’ kick made it 12-0.
A third try arrived when Needham split the defence with a fine break before off-loading in the tackle to Dan Smith, who showed good pace and strength in the tackle to score. Shields made it 18-0.
Sam Campbell then intercepted a certain try-scoring Eagles pass and went on a foot race down the park from under his own posts, leaving the stunned Eagles defenders in his wake.
Shields made it 24-0.
But the game then turned on its head as Eagles prevented any more points. An unconverted try in the corner was followed by an effort following a scrum for 24-8 at half-time.
With the wind now at their backs, Eagles moved the ball at pace and made it 24-14 when punishing Outlaws for losing the ball and broke down field.
Buoyed by the score, the Eagles began to find holes and added more tries to hit the front with 15 minutes left.
Outlaws rallied well. Morton was held up over the line and Crick almost found Andy Jackson with a flat pass, but Eagles held on for a two-point win.
Outlaws now look to bounce back at Oxford this weekend.
Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/412837/Warren-Gatland-says-Australia-have-nothing-left
Rugby League: Nottingham Outlaws fail to hold onto 24-0 advantage as leaders ...
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