Rylands Sharks 16 Gateshead Storm 34

“DUMB and naïve” play cost an understrength Rylands side victory on Saturday, head coach Matt Wilson says.

Wilson’s side were ahead with just over 20 minutes remaining at Gorsey Lane as both sides toiled in the heat, but opponents Gateshead cantered away in the final stages.

Sharks, who were missing 10 players for various reasons, have now slipped to back-to-back defeats in National Conference League Division Three after a 20-14 loss to Oldham St Annes in their previous game.

While praising the effort of his players, Wilson admitted his side were “in a rut” as they struggle with the absence of key players.

“It’s a game we should have won,” he said.

“We lost the energy battle and played some dumb and naïve rugby league at times.

“I can’t fault the majority of the effort. We had some players way off their best but that happens.

“We are in a bit of a rut at the moment. We’re struggling to get a settled side out with it being holiday season but we have to handle that better.

“We need to show some character now to get back to our early-season form.”

A forgettable first half saw the sides turn around level at 4-4, with Aaron Holliday opening the scoring for Rylands before Danny Chetwynd equalised for the visitors.

As both sides tired in the heat, the second half was more open and, after Liam Scott had given Gateshead the lead, Mike Harrison and Luke Walker hit back for Sharks.

Chris Forster added conversions on both occasions to take Rylands 16-10 ahead, but that was as good as it got.

However, Scott scored two more tries before James Pocklington and Mike Mitchell crossed late on to seal Gateshead’s win.

Wilson’s side welcome Dewsbury Celtic to Gorsey Lane on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.

Rylands: Luke Walker; Aaron Holliday, Mike Harrison, Troy Brophy, Stuart Simm; Chris Forster, Theo Holt; Kane Doherty, Tyler Whittaker, Sam Roberts, Brad McAlpine, Nick Braide, James Jones. Subs: Sean Boyle, Ryan Palin, Adam Thompson, Mark Robinson.