Pack paves the way for Higgy

AMATEUR RUGBY: A SOLID performance from the pack saw Higginshaw overcome a stubborn Liversedge team 28-6 in the National Cup to book a home tie against Hunslet Warriors on Oldham Edge next month.

With defences on top early on, it was 26 minutes before the local outfit broke the deadlock when good work from Scott Hewson and prop Michael Cadd set up Scott Foote for the opening try.

Higgy’s bad luck with injuries continued when Craig Milner had to be replaced after hurting a shoulder.

Liversedge poured forward but, with Foote, Gareth Franklin, Chris Tomlin and full-back Adam Horabin outstanding in defence, each attack was snuffed out.

But Higgy added to their tally when big drives from forwards Alan Dunn and Lee Burke created a position for David Sweeney and Ryan O’Donnell to send Tomlin in after 35 minutes. Paul Brooks converted for a 10-0 lead.

O’Donnell instigated the next try in the 50th minute with a perfectly weighted kick for the chasing Adam Horabin to score by the posts. Brooks added the goal.

Higgy wingers Sean Stubbs and Gareth Franklin took some pressure off the forwards with big drives out of defence, before O’Donnell sent Adam Horabin clear with a chip over the defence. Horabin drew his marker and released Stubbs for a try, goaled by Brooks.

Shell-shocked Liversedge pulled a try back after a five-minute spell of pressure on the right with a converted try.

But Higgy had the last laugh when Foote doubled his personal tally after a good work from Sweeney and Gary Walsh. Brooks completed a fine afternoon with the boot with another conversion.


IT’S a case of as you were at the top of the Rugby Oldham Challenge 2009-10.

Saddleworth Rangers, who lead the way, recorded a 30–6 win at home to Milford Marlins in division one of the National Conference League.

Nearest rivals Oldham St Anne’s were also among the points as they overcame basement team Ovenden 24-6 in division two.

But Waterhead continue to lose ground after they went down 46-0 at Egremont Rangers.