All Blacks back on winning trail

Gainsborough 29 Scunthorpe V 16

Scunthorpe came to Gainsborough all guns blazing looking to disrupt and upset the All Blacks.

It was a very cold afternoon and the hosts were up against an experienced pack, and they made three changes to the front row, Andre Russell returning as hooker, Mike Nichol at tight head prop and James Taylor at loose head.

The All Blacks took the lead early as they camped in the Scunthorpe half for 10 minutes before the pressure told and top try scorer Sam Hurst went over on the left wing.

Shaun Parker kicked the first of a few difficult kicks he would have in the game.

Before the visitors could settle Hurst again went over for an unconverted try to give the hosts a 12-point lead.

Gainsborough were well on top in the points stake but struggled with the set piece.

Nevertheless the backs, who were well marshalled by Andy Donner, who seems to bring out the best in those around him, were taking advantage of every opportunity.

Within 20 metres of their opponents’ line Gainsborough were awarded a penalty, Parker reacted quickly, tapped the ball and spun a long pass out to Nathan Hamer Bates who crossed the line virtually unopposed on the right wing.

The second half saw Hamer Bates go over again, the try being made by a superb break by Donner, but all of the backs were now playing well, showing good ball handling skills and more passing of the ball than was evident last week.

Scunthorpe then began to exert pressure through their forwards and after three consecutive penalties their forwards bullied their way over the line for a converted try.

The game was now all Scunthorpe, a total turn round from the points of the first half.

The visitors’ forwards dominated everything but sometimes their actions were not within the laws or the spirit of the game.

They slowed the game down to their pace, denied the Gainsborough backs any ball and eventually scored another try.

But Parker converted a penalty to make the cushion a little better before the visitors took their try tally to three.

Next week’s game should be away to Sleaford but but this has not been confirmed, contact Tony Goude on 01724 763825 for details.

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