Higgy pipped by title rivals

AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE: HIGGINSHAW gave North-West Counties League division four title rivals Irlam Hornets a fright before eventually going down to a 20-16 defeat.

Hornets were 6-0 to the good inside five minutes in a game between two committed sides.

But third-placed Higgy were soon level. Spearheaded by David Sweeney, Ryan O’Donnell and Steven Perry, they ripped into their opponents.

Scott Hewson, Perry and Chris Tomlin made good yards to set up a good position, before O’Donnell sent Michael Cadd in for his 12th try of the season. Jonathan Fullalove converted from the touchline.

Hornets were back after 20 minutes with a gift of a try after a mix-up in defence.

But Higgy again responded with a powerful Kris Richards break. He was supported by Sean Stubbs and Carl Fields, who went in for a try from 30 yards.

The visitors added a penalty to increase their advantage to 14-10, before they touched down for the third time in the opening half.

A high ball bounced off the full-back’s chest straight into the waiting arms of the Hornets winger. The conversion was successful to leave Higgy trailing 20-10 at the interval.

The hosts stepped up a gear in the second half with almost continuous attacks, but Scott Foote, Cadd and new signing Dane Armstrong were all stopped just short of the line.

Higginshaw did pull a try back in the 68th minute when a set move resulted in O’Donnell chipping over the onrushing defence for full-back Adam Horabin, who displayed a tremendous speed to touch down deep inside the in-goal area. Fullalove added the extras.

Now believing they could win the match, Higgy pounded away at the Hornets but, try as they might, there was no way through.

Higgy are at home to mid-table Leyland Warriors on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm), while they entertain Rochdale Cobras at Oldham Edge in the last four of the Standard Cup on Sunday (1pm).