Owls tear down Liverpool in 2012 Rugby debut
NURL claimed a comfortable win in first outing of 2012, stealing 46 points past a sleepy Liverpool John-Moores
Photo: Hubert Lam
Rugby League
NURL 46 – 4 Liverpool John Moores
Despite being forced into a number of unpredicted changes before kick-off, Newcastle University Rugby League claimed their first try within a matter of only minutes. Petite second rower Dave Chats cruised over beneath the posts following a break from returning loose forward Micky Ward.
Showing no signs of rusting after a long healing injury, Ward continued the points and after a touchline conversion from Chris Griffiths, extended the Owl’s advantage.
Yet it was by no means a walkover with an aggressive stream of attacks from LMJ on the Owls’ half. Luckily, NURL prop Conor Ellison was in fine form, thwarting numerous drives and displaying his finest performance in a (tight) Newcastle shirt.
The home side continued to absorb the pressure hitting back quickly and strongly. Griffiths stepped his way over for four before Ian McPherson scored a breath-taking try. Next to add to the points was winger Yohan Warts whilst skipper Knox bounced the ball to Ward, who offloaded it to Warts who sped over in the corner.
In the dying moments of the first half, LJM scrambled some form together managing to get a few points onto the board yet the score at the break flattered the home side with much of the first half being played on the Owl’s turf.
The second half followed in a similar way with notable performances from Gaz Hibbert, who provided NURL with much need solidity from hooker, and Myles Hudson, who bit his way through the visiting team.
The game had been a spectacle but after 60 minutes, both teams were united in fits of laughter thanks to NURL’s wobbly Dave Knox. The chatty Welshman broke the defensive line and looked sure to score before both his legs suddenly gave way and he fell on to the floor less than 2 metres from the line. This embarrassment would usually be too much for some players to handle, but not Knox, and took it in his stride as a warning to the other players.
Although Newcastle had a clear lead they refused to relent. Debutant Rory Mart broke through the half-back and touched down beneath the posts, and with a final conversion from Griffiths extended the final score to 46-4
The Owls should take a lot of confidence from their dominant display, and will be seeking out justice again on Saturday when they face Liverpool, having lost at home earlier in the season.
