Higgy left to rue mix-ups

Higginshaw’s Gareth Brindley (centre) is tackled by two Leyland Warriors players.

AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE: HIGGINSHAW failed to turn possession into points as they suffered a 24-14 home defeat to Leyland Warriors in Division Three.

Ryan O'Donnell's penalty put Higgy in front after five minutes, before a defensive error led to the visitors picking up a converted try.

Michael Smith's offload almost got Higginshaw a swift response, only for another converted effort from the Warriors shortly after the half-hour to extend their advantage.

Mark Ward darted in under the posts, with Jonathan Fullalove goaling for a half-time score of 12-8 in the visitors' favour.

Led superbly by David Sweeney, Higgy almost pulled level when Paul Turner was held up just short of the line. Another mix-up then let Leyland in for their third converted try on the hour.

This came before quick hands from O'Donnell and Turner sent home Gareth Franklin.

Fullalove converted to bring it back to 16-14 with only 10 minutes left and set up an exciting finish.

The Warriors put in a long kick to the corner and as it bounced away from the defender, the away side went over in the corner to seal the victory despite Higginshaw's late efforts.

Sean Stubbs was man-of-the-match, with Sweeney and Fullalove close behind.


FITTON Hill Bulldogs' second game of open-age rugby showed a 52-0 loss at West Bank Bears in division six.

Despite the score, the players showed plenty of courage against a well-drilled team.

Fielding five 17-year-olds, Fitton Hill showed positives which pleased the watching coaching staff.

Man-of-the-match was Mark Fitton, with new signings Richard Kelland and Danny Crinion showing up well.

Fitton Hill have appointed ex-Salem Hornets forward and Higginshaw man Jason Donbavand as their open age coach for the new season, while the club are also on the look-out for sponsors and committee members.


OLDHAM St Anne's 'A' defeated Albert Park 26-18 at home in division one and Waterhead 'A' were beaten 14-4 on their own turf by Rochdale Cobras.



HOLLINWOOD got their season off to a fine start in division five, seeing off Queensbury 'A' 30-10.

Fielding 10 new players — including man-of-the-match, former Roughyeds and Rochdale winger Andy Gorey — the home side took a while to hit their straps as the debutants worked out how one another played the game.

The half-time score was 4-0, thanks to two Gorey penalty goals.

After the break, Hollinwood started to discover gaps in the opposition defence.

Chris Collins and Peter Davies both crossed, Gareth Benias converting twice, before captain John Byram also got on the score sheet.

A try for Queensbury was followed by Gorey's try which he also converted and Pete Jackson crashed through the defence to round off the scoring action for the home team, Queensbury adding a late consolation.

In addition to Gorey, also impressive on the day for the home side were the evergreen Ian Hunt, Byram and Jackson on a pleasing day for new-look Hollinwood.