North-West Counties League

HIGGINSHAW went down to a seventh defeat of the season in division four, losing 34-6 at home to Leyland Warriors.

Three early tries for the visitors propelled them into a commanding 18-0 lead before Higgy had even got out of the starting blocks.

But following up some excellent defending from Sean Stubbs, Scott Hewson and Paul Turner, the home team fought their way back into the game and went in for a well-worked try.

Scott Hewson's powerful drive set up the position for David Sweeney to throw a dummy and dart in for the try, which Ryan O'Donnell converted.

Five minutes after half-time Leyland knocked the wind out of Higginshaw's sails, responding to a broken down attack to go the full length for a converted try.

Further scores just after the hour and six minutes from time secured the points for the Warriors, who are now three points clear of the second-bottom side.

Thomas Sweeney never stopped running all afternoon for Higginshaw, who had Gareth Brindley named as man-of-the-match closely followed by David Sweeney and Kevin Tighe.

OLDHAM St Anne's 'A' were defeated 20-14 at Folly Lane in division one, while the games between Saddleworth Rangers 'A' and Orrell St James in division three and Spring View against Waterhead 'A' in division four were both postponed.