Sat 2 Apr 2022
In a high scoring game played in excellent conditions North out scored the hosts by 8 tries to 6 but the home sides place kicker didn’t miss a single attempt at goal and won the game with a penalty with the final play of the game when the sides were tied at 48 a piece.
Scunthorpe opened the scoring but North hit back with tries from Gareth Bladen, Jordan Burgess and Gregg Szczepanski to lead 15 – 7. Loti Molitika then received a yellow card and Scunthorpe took advantage to regain the lead with 2 converted tries and a penalty. With North back to full strength prop Adam Stirling powered over and Murphy converted to make the half time score 24 -22.
Scunthorpe scored straight after the break to extend the lead but Szczepanski bagged a second try with another powerful run and Murphy converted to make the score 31 – 29. Two further tries extended the home sides lead before a push over try from number 8 Zac Xiourouppa reduced the deficit. With the North scrum in the ascendancy the home side prop was sin binned following several scrum penalties, skipper Jonah Boyce scored to make the score 45 - 41. Fly half and long standing Scunthorpe captain Tom Foster then dropped a goal before a try from Callum Bradbury converted by Murphy brought the scores level at 48 each. From the restart Scunthorpe regained possession and were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, winger Josh Clarke maintained his 100% record to win the game with the home side support awarding him their man of the match.
Next week North host second placed Sheffield and celebrate their diamond jubilee with a special pre match lunch at the Edgar Davies Ground.
