RYLANDS SHARKS 46 GATESHEAD STORM 22
RYLANDS moved into fourth spot and secured a promotion play off place in their first season in Division Three of the NCL league courtesy of a blistering first half performance against a gutsy Gateshead outfit in a fitting end to Matt Wilson’s final home game as head coach.
The Sharks dominated the first half, opening the scoring with Nick Braide’s first of three tries converted by Jack Lewis.
Rylands then produced four tries in the space of 10 minutes to take full control of the contest.
Brad McAlpine started the ball rolling with a try followed by a length of the field effort from Casey Brown. Chris Dean added to the visitor’s woes with a try and Braide bagged his second score of the game with Lewis converting all four efforts giving the hosts a 30-0 lead.
Gateshead grabbed their first try five minutes before the break through centre Paul Parkinson, converted by hooker Stephen Welton giving the Sharks a comfortable lead at the break.
The Sharks second half performance couldn’t match their earlier exploits and it was Gateshead who looked the stronger outfit early on.
A try on 49 mins from Storm’s half back Neil Emmerson coupled with a conversion from Welton gave the travelling support renewed hope which was then increased with a try for winger Dan Rhodes.
Braide’s third try for the Sharks on 64 mins restored order and 10 mins later Rylands centre Gavin Conroy killed off any thoughts of a Gateshead comeback with a try out wide with Lewis adding the extras.
The final two minutes saw both side exchange tries firstly Gateshead forward Luke Banham crashed over with substitute Dan Mole converting and with the last play of the contest Rylands Jack Lewis bagged himself a try and another conversion to bring proceedings to an end.
Best for Rylands were Jack Lewis, Nick Braide, Casey Brown, Brad McAlpine and Gavin Conroy while Neil Emmerson was the stand out performer for Gateshead.
Rylands team: Casey Brown, Luke Gillooley, Gavin Conroy, Troy Brophy, Stuart Simm, Jack Lewis, Sean Boyle, Stuart Shaw, Craig Harris, Danny Woods, Brad McAlpine, Nick Braide, Chris Dean, Dave Walker, Mike Harrison, Rob Campbell, Ryan Butler.
