Rochdale Hornets 14 - 52 Toulouse Olympique

Date published: 02 April 2017

Toulouse Olympique exacted revenge for last season's promotion final defeat at the hands of Rochdale Hornets by completely outclassing and outplaying a distinctly below par Hornets.

In what was an abysmal afternoon for Hornets, Touolouse showed speed of foot and thought, power, strength and agility in what was a masterclass of rugby league - and Hornets had no answer.

The first half was all one way traffic and Toulouse almost scored at will running in seven tries to go in at half time 36 points to the good.

Hornets came out and fought harder in the second half, putting up some resistance and running in three tries but Toulouse still ran out very comfortable winners.

Toulouse posted their intent early on with a try after just seven minutes; Tony Maurel over in the corner for the first of his four tries. Mark Kheirallah missed with his conversion attempt.

The second try of the game really ought to have been chalked off as the referee missed a clear offside but Maurel was free to feed Anthony Marion to cross the line. Kheirallah added the two.

Hornets just weren't in the game in the first quarter and it didn't get any better for the rest of the half.

Good play by Johnathon Ford on the fifth tackle as he offloaded led to a sublime try for Paul Marcon. Kheirallah adding the extras.

At the half hour mark, and with Toulouse already pulling out of sight, Hornets gifted two tries in quick succession - Maurel with his second, which Kheirallah converted, followed by Kalausa Leha cutting right through the middle of the Hornets defence to score. Again converted by Kheirallah.

Still time for two more Toulouse tries before half time.

Ford combined well with Kheirallah, who fed Bastien Ader to cross the line. Kheirallah missed the conversion.

Hornets dropped the ball and Mourad Kriouache picked up and passed to Ader who scored his second try of the afternoon. Kheirallah failed to add the two.

Half time: Rochdale Hornets 0 - 36 Toulouse Olympique

With the game already over as a contest by half time, the second half became a matter of salvaging pride for Hornets. They certainly came out with far more fight and purpose but the resistance was short-lived as Toulouse added to the score board again early in the half, slack Hornets defence allowing Gavin Marguerite to get his name on the score board. Kheirallah added the extras.

Ten minutes into the second half and Hornets afternoon went from bad to worse as Chris Riley went down clutching his hamstring. It is understood Riley wll be out for six to eight weeks.

Hornets finally got off the mark at the hour mark when Ben Moores walked over the line after good build up play. Yates pulled his kick wide.

Toulouse hit back almost immediately having elected to run on the last play and Ford again fed Maurel who strolled in for his third try of the game. Kheirallah's kick sailed over.

Maurel again breached the Hornets defence to score his fourth try of the afternoon. Kheirallah missed with his kick.

With ten minutes to go, Hornets managed a second try, Gary Middlehurst grounded a nice little dink through. Yates with the goal from bang in front of the posts.

With the hooter looming, Hornets scored a well worked third try when a kick over by Yates was gathered by Rob Massam who worked hard to touch down. Yates missed the conversion.

The best that can be said of a dismal afternoon for the Hornets players and supporters is they were better in the second half and at least on the front foot for the last ten minutes, however, Hornets coach Alan Kilshaw has his work cut out to stop what has become a slide down the table after three defeats in a row.

Rochdale Hornets: Miles Greenwood, Chris Riley, Jake Eccleston, Lewis Gailbraith, Rob Massam, Lewis Palfrey, Danny Yates, Matty Hadden, Ben Moores, Andre Savelio, Jono Smith, Josh Crowley, Gary Middlehurst.
Replacements: Ryan Maneely, Danny Bridge, Jovili Taira, Jordan Case.
Tries: Ben Moores, Gary Middlehurst, Rob Massam.
Goals: Danny Yates.

Toulouse Olympique: Mark Kheirallah, Paul Marcon, Gavin Marguerite, Bastien Ader, Tony Maurel, Johnathon Ford, Stan Robin, Clement Boyer, Anthony Marion, Bastien Canet, Sebastien Planas, Rhys Curran, Andrew Bentley.
Replacements: Mourad Kriouache, Maxime Puech, Tyla Hepi, Kalausa Leha.
Tries: Tony Maurel (4), Anthony Marion, Paul Marcon, Kalausa Leha, Bastien Ader (2), Gavin Marguerite.
Goals: Mark Kheirallah (6).

Referee: Phil Bentham.

Hornets coach Alan Kilshaw reacts to defeat at the hands of Toulouse Olympique
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