NURL – 34
Leeds Met 2nds – 10
The death machine got back to winning ways with a 38-10 victory over fellow table-toppers Leeds Met at Cochrane Park.
NURL made sure they pushed on from last weeks defeat to Sheffield by flying out of the blocks against the Met drongos. A bone shattering tackle from NURL heartthrob Joe “Deadlift” Dawson and powerful running from prop Daniel “chorley cake” Caparros set the tone for the hosts, whose physicality would prove too much for the visitors over the 80 minutes.
The death machines pressure eventually told as a well-worked passing move from the Owls back line gave winger Harry Baxter the opportunity to crash over in the corner. The devastating accuracy of NURLs passing underlined the threat of their back line, who are becoming recognized as one of the most potent in the league.
In the latter stages of the first half the hosts remained on top, however, an intercepted pass gifted Leeds a route back into the match, with their feeble centre fumbling a try under the posts.
Despite the hosts considerable possession they found themselves level at the half, knowing a more clinical second half performance was required to see off the Met meat heads.
The break proved to be the turning point for the death machine, who found their tempo in the second half. A stunning break form replacement Jizzy John Kingwood set NURL on their way, as the tattooed rocker brushed aside a number of tackles on his way to the try-line.
The Owls supreme fitness began to tell against the slobbering defence, with Gareth “strawberries and cream” Herbert bashing his way through numerous Leeds defenders only to be held up at the last. Luckily, Harry Baxters poaching instincts proved the quickest, as he helped himself to his second try.
NURLs backs were enjoying themselves by this point, but it is important to note the immense effort put in by the Newcastle forwards throughout the match, with Dave Knox and loose forward Mike Ward putting in typically industrious performances.
Substitutes Mike Smith and enormous Russell West maintained the forwards dominance, with deadly running lines off Hooker Robse C. Seagreaves providing the engine room for a number of NURL attacks.
As the visitors heads began to drop the Owls played their ace card, in the form of debutant George Matthew. His direct running proved too much for the tiring Met defenders, as he cruised over for two brilliant individual tries on his home debut.
Myles Hudson glided over for a late try, after being put through by magical NURL full-back Sammy Boyd, whose ability to evade tackles has left defenders all over the country scratching their heads.
There was just enough time for Baxter to complete his hatrick and cap off a fine performance from the Owls.
Following this comprehensive destruction of Leeds Met, the Owls can go into next weeks match against Liverpool John Moores with the belief that the league title is within their grasps.