Ex-Bulldog O'Meley flourishes in Hull - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Ex-Bulldog O'Meley flourishes in Hull

By Nick Clowes 03/04/2010 03:45:34 PM Comments (0)

Former Canterbury Bulldogs prop Mark O'Meley has warned the rest of Super League to sit up and take notice after Hull FC beat local rivals Hull KR 18-14 at Craven Park.

O'Meley produced a man-of-the-match display to earn the bragging rights in East Yorkshire in the Good Friday derby.

Sean Long also starred for Hull while fellow newboy Craig Fitzgibbon got his name on the scoresheet to move Hull up to fifth in Super League.

Hull have struggled away from home so far this season but after getting that monkey off their back, O'Meley believes they can be a force to be reckoned with.

"That was a really tough game and it really shows the character we have in the squad to get through that," said O'Meley.

"My first Hull derby was cold and wet but I really enjoyed it. The win means a lot to the players and the fans - that's obvious - but it keeps us right up there in the table.

"We withstood a lot of pressure in the second half and to do that shows a lot about what this squad is about.

"It wasn't the best performance but we got the win and that's all that matters - we can be strong this season."

Wigan second-row Phil Bailey breathed a huge sigh of relief as the Warriors maintained their lead at the top of Super League and broke their Knowsley Road duck against St Helens.

Michael Maguire's men held off a second-half onslaught to pick up an 18-10 victory - Wigan's first victory at St Helens since 2003.

"So many times we have come here and left disappointed, it's about time we had something to smile about," said the ex-Cronulla man.

"I can't remember winning here before and I'm not sure any of the boys in the team can either.

"It's a massive victory and the rivalry between the two teams is so fierce. We have still got a lot of work to do yet but eight or so weeks into the season, we are pleased with where we are."

Salford coach Shaun McRae is refusing to throw the towel in despite a 32-2 thumping at the hands of high-flying Warrington.

Daniel Holdsworth's penalty was all that the Reds had to show for their efforts as Tony Smith's men ran in seven tries at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

But former South Sydney Rabbitohs coach McRae said: "Most fans will agree it was not as one-sided an affair as the scoreline suggested and for 60 minutes we were pretty good.

"We failed to capitalise on Warrington's errors and they did on ours which was the difference.

"Warrington had a bit of luck but we'll keep plugging away and keep fighting."

Meanwhile, Leeds coach Brian McClennan believes his side had reached a turning point after a Lee Smith-inspired second-half comeback saw them draw 20-20 with Bradford Bulls.

McClennan said: "I don't think you can get surprised by this team. We hope it's a bit of a catalyst to kick on.

"We produced great comebacks last year. And, even with 10 minutes to go, I thought we were going to win it."

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