Rampaging Roosters savage toothless Tigers

Rugby League

St Ives Roosters 58

Bedford Tigers 16

ROOSTERS’ thrashing of previously-unbeaten Conference East leaders Bedford Tigers on Saturday was the best result in the club’s history – according to director of coaching Ian Hill.

Despite missing six regular starters – including Adam Peel, who was on England Lionhearts duty – St Ives still ran out comprehensive winners, with a stunning four-try performance from Jamie Laing leading the charge.

Delighted Hill said: “The team were fantastic and dominated a quality side.

“It was probably the best performance by the Roosters in the club’s history and a special mention must go to Jamie Laing who was outstanding.

“We had a fairly weak squad going into the game and my initial hope was that we weren’t going to get a good hiding – as Bedford are strong.

“But talking to a few of their lads afterwards – I think they were just a little bit too complacent and thought they just simply had to turn up in order to win.

“We were outstanding in the first 10 minutes in particular and absolutely battered them.”

A lightning-quick start and three tries within the first 10 minutes set the Roosters on their way with a 12-0 lead, Jake Peattie, Jamie Laing and Steve Burke all going over.

It was 24-0 at half time, with Peattie scoring his second try, which Laing converted, before the kicker then followed up with a superb individual try which he converted himself.

Bedford were awarded a controversial penalty try early in the second half but, on 55 minutes, Laing fed Michael Drake to score unopposed under the posts and then converted to increase the lead to 30-4.

Laing scored twice further in the second period, also adding four more conversions, while brother Callum Laing, Jim Lewsham – scoring his first ever Roosters try – and James Yeoman also got in on the act.

This weekend, the Roosters travel to West Norfolk Wildcats for a friendly fixture.

The two sides met in a friendly at St Ives a fortnight ago – when the hosts ran out 72-20 winners, but did cause Roosters problems defensively.

? Peel was part of the England Lionhearts side that lost their Home International match 26-14 against Ireland Wolfhounds at Hemel Hempstead on Saturday.

Despite the scoreline, it was a good day for Peel on a personal note, as he scored two tries.