Nottingham Outlaws travelled to Telford on Saturday to play an unbeaten Raiders team that currently sits at the top of the Midlands Premier Division, sporting a 100% record.
Despite the odds being stacked against them, they battled hard before finally succumbing to a 46-6 defeat.
The Outlaws went into the game with no fewer than 12 changes to the squad that travelled up to Sherwood the week before, and were sporting several players on first-team debut, including Kyle Robinson, Ben Smith, Sam Barney and Ollie Walsh.
With something of a makeshift look to the side, the opening stages were always going to be tough, and after thirty minutes of first-half play, the Outlaws had failed to get into the Telford red zone.
At the other end of the pitch, the free-scoring Raiders ran in no fewer than six tries to lead 26-0.
However, the Outlaws did rally, with full-back Aiden Butler doing his best to organise the Outlaws’ defensive line, and Ali Waring and Captain Coryn Ward working overtime on the tackling front. They also managed to mount a couple of attacks of their own before the half-time whistle sounded.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first, with the home side stretching their lead, but the Outlaws rallied and, for the first time in the game, managed to exert some pressure.
With more possession and field position, the Outlaws were finally rewarded when Sam Bradley found winger Sam Barney with an excellent pass, and the young winger touched down to mark an impressive debut performance.
Aiden Butler slotted over the extras, but further scores by the Raiders saw them home and dry with a closing scoreline of 46-6 in the home side’s favour.
Despite the defeat, there were a number of gutsy performances from a new-look Outlaws team that was superbly marshalled by Aiden Butler at full-back, who deservedly took the man of the match award.
Next week, the Outlaws entertain Birmingham Bulldogs, knowing they can’t afford any more defeats if they are to stand a chance of getting into the top two play-offs.
