Higginshaw rack up magnificent seven

RUGBY: HIGGINSHAW did like to be beside the seaside as they ran in seven tries to seal a third place finish in the Kukri North-West Counties League division four.

They made it 108 points in the space of three games by hammering Blackpool Stanley 40-8.

Higgy now have to wait and see how the league is restructured following this climax to their promotion push.

It was a fitting send-off to coach Aidy Brown, who is leaving the club to take a break from the sport.

Higgy took the lead when scrum half and man-of-the-match David Sweeney put Scott Foote away for a try, Ryan O’Donnell adding the conversion.

Sweeney set up the next try, sending in centre Kris Richards. O’Donnell again adding the extras.

Chris Tomlin got in on the act by scoring wide out to make it 16-0.

Blackpool’s right centre, who had caused problems all afternoon, pulled back an unconverted try close to half-time.

Winger John Duffy got the visitors back on track, making 60 yards before sending in Gary Walsh in for a try. O’Donnell did the rest.

A fine team move involving Adam Horabin and Tomlin ended with Sweeney going over. Carl Fields converted.

Higgy continued to pile up the points. Sweeney released Foote, who successfully embarked on a 40-yard sprint to the line. Fields again adding extras.

Basement boys Blackpool did their best to hit back but couldn’t get a foothold in the game.

The next try was a stunner, covering 50 yards. Sweeney burst the first line of defence, with the supporting John Duffy going over from 40 yards out. Coach Brown signed off by adding the conversion.

Blackpool went over for a consolation try late on.

In the other games, Oldham St Anne’s were beaten 24-22 at home to Blackbrook in division one.

Saddleworth Rangers lost 18-0 to Ulverston in division three, but second-placed Waterhead overcame St Helens Wild Boar 26-24 and Rochdale Cobras, who sit third in the table, defeated Chorley Panthers 18-0 in division five.