Outlaws’ campaign ends on losing note
NOTTINGHAM Outlaws finished their Yorkshire Premier League campaign with a 34-12 away defeat against an East Hull side aiming to secure a top four play-off spot.
The Outlaws made a number of changes to the squad that last ran out two weeks ago in the defeat against Bentley.
There was a new look front row with Steve Page and Sam Andrews coming back into the team either side of Alex Whittle in the number nine shirt, with Stew Readhead completing the pack at loose forward.
In the backs, Kenny Wilson teamed up with Albert Paskevic for a new-look centre pairing, with Frenchman Mathieu Paques and Aiden Porter-holborn on either wing and Gaz Whitfield at full-back. The all-important half-back pairing saw player-coach Adam Cunliffe team up with Haz Ashby for the first time.
But the Outlaws were up against it from the early stages as they trailed 12-0 with only five minutes on the clock.
The Outlaws managed to steady the ship with some good tackling in the middle by Page, Andrews and Whittle, who combined well to stem the tide.
Slowly but surely the Outlaws began to get on top. Indeed, they went close to opening their account when Cunliffe was held up in goal and they were finally rewarded for their efforts when Whittle went over with a trademark show and go to reduce the deficit to 12-6, Gaz Whitfield adding the extras.
Outlaws continued to press without reward and conceded another try as East Hull led 18-6 at the break.
Two quick tries after the break increased the home side’s grip on the game as they led 28-6 with 25 minutes remaining.
The visitors refused to throw in the towel and with 10 minutes remaining Ronan Treble went over to reduce the deficit to 28-12.
However, East Hull had the last word to cap a 34-12 win and Cunliffe said: “Obviously we were hoping to finish the season with a win but I thought our ball movement and ruck defence were much improved on previous games.
“It has been a tough year resultswise but in terms of the improvement we have made and the new players we have had buy in to the club, I’m really excited for next season already.”