Just like in 2014, South Wales Scorpions’ first win of the season in league one came at London Skolars as they overcame their hosts in a tough battle, winning 26-20 yesterday, June 28.
The win has been a long time coming for the Welsh side, but it was well deserved after they kept their nerve when being pounded by the Skolars attack in the second half.
Skolars took the lead on four minutes when following a repeat set, Aaron Small barged over to give London the lead. Marcus Elliot missed the kick.
Scorpions drew level five minutes later. Paul Emanuelli kicked well for Yannic Parker to score in the corner, but Emanuelli’s goal attempt was short.
The Welsh defended a repeat set well as Parker was a match for James Anthony’s chip, but following a penalty, Anthony went over for Skolars’ second try on 21 minutes. Mike Bishay converted.
Scorpions were unlucky not to score before that as a freak rebound stopped them in their tracks, directly leading to the Skolars score.
However, they got over the line again six minutes before the break when two successive penalties took them to the line with Dafydd Hellard forcing his way over.
They weren’t level for long. An unconverted Chris Bishay try gave London a slight 14-10 advantage before the break.
Scorpions attacked well from the off in the second half. Chris Speck was unable to latch onto a grubber kick, but his pressure did succeed in winning his side a goal-line drop out.
It took 22 minutes before the first try of the second half was registered. Parker went in at the corner again, with Emanuelli converting to give Scorpions a 16-14 lead.
The advantage didn’t last long after a dropped ball gave London player-coach Jermaine Coleman a gift of a try under the sticks. Mike Bishay converted.
Scorpions led again on 71 minutes when Tala Petelo beat the defence to leap onto a grubber kick. Emanuelli converted.
And five minutes Ian Newbury went over in the corner for the final try. Emanuelli couldn’t land the conversion making it a nervy end for the Scorpions as London looked for an equaliser, but there was no way through for the Skolars.
Match report by Ian Golden, Wales Rugby League