Changed Nuns hold strong Scunthorpe to a Draw

Changed Nuns hold strong Scunthorpe to a Draw

Nuns 20 Scunthorpe 20.

After last weeks agonising 1 point defeat by Peterborough Lions, the Nuns were forced into changes with more injuries decimating the squad. Both Matt Gibbs and Apo Satala joining the list and with Ben Holmes unavailable, a changed side took to the field.

In bitterly cold conditions Scunthorpe warmed up the afternoon by turning out in their fluorescent yellow kit. It was, however, the Nuns who were caught cold. After just 4 minutes a quickly taken penalty 20 metres from the tryline saw flanker Tom Hughes run in unopposed and Willie Robinson quickly added the conversion to give the visitors the start they wanted. Undaunted the Nuns went on the attack.

Testing Scunthorpe with some direct running they won a penalty and chose a kick to the corner. The attack ended at the lineout as the Nuns lost the ball and a good chance was wasted. A large and rotund Scunthorpe pack were being used to batter the Nuns defence but good organisation and brave tackling kept the visitors at bay. Scunthorpe were retaining the ball and going through the phases but not making any headway. On 21 minutes Rory Vowles engineered a try scoring chance with a neat through kick.

Although a late tackle prevented him from the chase, Scunthorpe conceded a 5m scrum. The Nuns’ pack applied pressure at the set piece and after 2 re sets the Nuns’ backs exploded into action. Elliott Brown cut through a static defence to score and whilst Vowles was still feeling the effect of the late tackle, Brown added the conversion. The Nuns then wasted a good attacking position with poor handling as they more than matched the visitors for strength and possession retention. As the Nuns threatened again, Jackson Hughes made a 50m run and then fed Adie Hall to storm over for a try wide out which Vowles was unable to convert. Straight from the re start Scunthorpe won a penalty centre field and Robinson made no mistake to bring the visitors to within 2 points at the halftime interval, with the score 12-10.

Scunthorpe started the second half with their forwards inching their way forward with phase after phase of tight play. Eventually as they came in range of the posts they won a penalty which Robinson kicked to give the visitors the lead. From the re- start it was the Nuns turn to attack. The backs ran the ball deep into Scunthorpe’s half and from a neat kick ahead the visitors made a mess of clearing the danger and full back Ben Kirby was on hand to take advantage and win the race to the touchdown. The conversion smacked against a post – a miss that would prove costly. Both teams continued to take each other on in the forwards and the Nuns more than held their own. As the game entered the final quarter Nuns made changes but were still able to win turnover ball as they wrestled with the visitors forwards. From a good attacking position, poor handling again let the Nuns down as they threatened their visitors try line. On 71 minutes the Nuns won a penalty and with the wind behind Huw Thomas duly added 3 points to give the Nuns a 7 point lead – 20-13. Back came Scunthorpe. Gradually inching their way up field they reached the Nuns tryline and one final push saw them adjudged to have scored a try. From wide out, against the wind, Robinsons attempted conversion hit the post, bounced on the crossbar and dropped over to bring the

scores level. Deep into add on time there was no time for any further scoring – joy for the visitors – despair for the Nuns.

For a second week the Nuns had been denied a win they deserved, but credit to them that in adversity they had shown spirit and determination in true Nuneaton Rugby tradition.

Team.

Ryan Leake, Callum Grant-Smith, Jon Patemen, Tom Aherne, Scott Makepeace, Rudi Reid, Todd Bullions, Adie Hall,

Huw Thomas, Rory Vowles, Richard Johnston, Moses Liwaliwa, Elliott Brown (capt), Jackson Hughes, Ben Kirby,

Bench.

Dan Oselton, Arron Skyrme and Adam Stauvers.

Bob Hansford

@nker radio 1386am & Online