THE Scorpions faced a mammoth task against National Conference side Shaw Cross Sharks in the first round of the GMB Union National Cup and so it proved.

The first time the Sharks had possession they scored a converted try, and Darren Knight kicked a penalty after a foul in front of the Sharks' posts to make it 6-2.

However, after that it was one-way traffic as the Sharks played some scintillating rugby to run in six tries, aided by some poor Scorpions tackling and mistakes when they had possession.

The Scorpions had a great chance to score when Darren Knight picked up a loose ball on half way and raced clear. But the cover defence came across and stopped him a metre short of the line. Once again good field position was wasted as Scorpions lost possession on the next play.

Just before half-time Shaun Towell finished off a crossfield move to score a good try, making it 38-6 at the break.

The Sharks then increased their lead with another converted try. Scorpions had given their opponents too much respect in the first half and paid dearly. They showed more determination in the second half and were rewarded with a try by Ben Simpson from a pass by Simon Pritchard.

Shortly after, Dave Tanner strolled through a gap to score under the posts.

Blackpool Scorpions 16 Shaw Cross Sharks 52