Higgy in form for top clash

HIGGINSHAW are in fine fettle for Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash in division four of the North-West Counties League.

They are at home to leaders New Spring Lions, who boast a 100-per-cent record with five wins out of five.

It is the toughest test so far this season for Higgy, but they can take great heart from last weekend’s 14-10 defeat of second-placed Leigh Central Lions.

The win, built on a solid defensive display, lifted the local outfit to third and in contention for the title.

Victory was also achieved the hard way as Higgy came from behind after conceding a long-range converted, which was converted.

But they hit back to dominate the game, thanks to some outstanding performances in defence and attack from Scott Hewson, Michael Cadd, Carl Field and Paul Brooks.

Half-back David Sweeney steered his side from the middle of the park and Ryan O’Donnell impressed with his kicking game.

Higgy threw everything at the Leigh Central line, but it was the introduction of replacement Cadd that proved pivotal.

Cadd went in under the posts for the equalising after half-an-hour, with David Sweeney adding the conversion.

All square at the break, Higgy were soon in the ascendancy after the restart with flying winger Josh Griffiths beating four men to touch down in the corner.

And they stretched their lead moments later when Sweeney dived in.

But Leigh refused to throw in the towel and reduced the arrears with their second try just after the hour mark.

Higgy were now under the cosh, but they held firm to take two precious points in their pursuit of the title.

WATERHEAD are in a three-way tie for the lead in division five.

The Peach Road outfit joined Rochdale Cobras and St Helens Wild Boar on eight points following an emphatic 74-18 defeat of Chorley Panthers.

HIGGINSHAW are holding their annual gala dinner at Shaw Road Con Club on Friday.

Tickets are still available, and for more information, call John Mellor on 07970 100606.

WATERHEAD under-11s scored seven tries in the defeat of Westhoughton.

Ben Mort (two), Garyn Allen, Liam Aspin, Harry Maders, Declan Slicker and Nathan Beech-Farrow went over. All six players added conversions, along with Aiden Schofield.

Westhoughton replied with two tries and one goal.