Three-try burst sets Higgy on the way

HIGGINSHAW turned in a fine all-round effort to beat a strong Rochdale Mayfield side 26-4 and move up to second place in division four of the North West Counties League.

A strong defensive performance laid the foundation, with Scott Foote, Craig Milner and Steve Perry outstanding in the first half.

And a burst of three tries in ten minutes at the start of the second period enabled Higginshaw to take control of the game.

In a closely-fought opening half, it was Higginshaw who created the first chance when winger Mark Ward was tackled into touch on the flag after a great wide ball from David Sweeney.

Higginshaw went in front after 17 minutes when a delightful kick by Sweeney over the on-rushing defence was collected in mid-air by winger Josh Griffiths, who sped in for an opportunist try which Sweeney goaled.

Mayfield hit back with a try after 30 minutes but for the rest of the half Higginshaw continued to keep the visitors at bay with some brilliant defence from the likes of Adam Horabin, Carl Fields, Sean Stubbs and Paul Turner.

It was end-to-end stuff until Higginshaw broke loose early in the second period.

Mayfield knocked on from the kick-off and from the scrum Sweeney fed Steve Perry who scooted in for a try. Sweeney then added a penalty to push his side12-4 in front.

The writing was on the wall for Mayfield when a fine four-man move involving Gary Walsh, Scott Hewson, Mathew Corbally and Ryan O’Donnell sent the rampaging Michael Cadd over from 10 yards out, O’Donnell converting for an 18-4 lead.

Hooker Paul Brooks added an excellent solo try, bursting through a gap and striding in unopposed to make it 2 2-4 lead after 50 minutes.

Adam Horabin scored the final try, having the confidence to take on the defence on his own and beating off several chasing defenders to score in the corner.