Friendly fire leaves Outlaws in control

NOTTINGHAM Outlaws rugby league team made it two wins from two in their pre-season fixtures with a hard-earned 34-12 victory over West Yorkshire side Moorends.

And coach Adam Cunliffe said his team were “ready and can’t wait to return to action” after a break of almost two years since they last played a Yorkshire League Premier game in Nottingham.

With only five minutes on the clock the Outlaws found themselves 6-0 down when a strong carry from the home side saw them breach the visitors’ defence.

That was a wake-up call for the Outlaws. They immediately responded with some nice free flowing rugby finished off by Gaz Whitfield, who put in a lovely crossfield kick that Adam Cunliffe latched on to to level the scores.

Two minutes later, Ronan Treble pushed the Outlaws in front with a hit and spin from short range that ended with him crashing over the line. Whitfield added the extras to make it 12-6 to the Outlaws.

The friendly was played in four 20 minute “quarters” and the second quarter continued in similar vein to the first, with Moorends putting in lots of big drives down the middle to pressure the Outlaws who, in response, launched a series of attacks from deep using their superior speed and handling skills.

Outlaws began to cut free and two quick tries, one a short range effort from Steve Page and the second a great take from Coryn Ward after a steep up and under, saw the Outlaws in control at half-time with a 22-6 lead.

Moorends scored the only try in the third quarter but the final period belonged to Outlaws.

Abraham Sua crashed through some tiring home defending to open his account for the afternoon and then winger Charlie Clarke finished off a lovely flowing move down the right with a well taken try, rounding his opposite number with some great footwork.

Gaz Whitfield added the extras to make it five from six conversions.