Title Dream Still Alive

First team coach Kevin Neighbour maintains his sides chances of winning the BUCS Super Eights title aren’t over after a shock defeat to UCLAN.

“We’re certainly still in with a chance," said Northumbria University's Neighbour.

“Our defence showed a lack of discipline in the first half and we paid the price.

“This was a massive setback but it was a reality check some of the lads needed.”

In a game of two halves, Northumbria showed little signs of title contender material as UCLAN ran riot.

An opening try from GB International Matty Garside was all The Poly had to shout about in the first half, as UCLAN bombarded Northumbria’s defence with an onslaught of tries leaving the home side 32-6 down at the break.

“We didn’t dominate the tackle in the first half," added Neighbour.

“UCLAN stuck to their game plan and got their rewards."

With their backs to the wall, an encouraging team talk from Neighbour seemed to have done the trick as The Poly looked a different side in the second half.

“A few chosen words were said to certain individuals in the team," he added.

Another early try from Garside sparked a Poly revival closing the score to 32-12.

However the comeback was dented, after substitute Sam Rothery was shown a red card following a brawl with UCLAN’s Paul Lowery who was only deemed worthy of a yellow by referee Warren Turley.

With even numbers on the pitch Northumbria scored twice to close to gap on UCLAN.

And with the score at 32-20, the home side fumbled two great chances on the try line which would have levelled the match.

And the Poly rued they’re missed chances as UCLAN took advantage of having an extra man on the field, scoring twice late in the game to win the match 44-20.

“The amount of defending we had to do in the first half was going to tell in the second, with a man down," added Neighbour.

“If we had showed a little more composure on the ball the game could have turned out different.

“We’ve got the semi-finals coming up so our focus is now on that.”

PHILLIP MOORE

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