Forward power inspires Higgy

RUGBY LEAGUE: HIGGINSHAW, inspired by superb forward play, are off the mark in Division Three of the Kukri North-West Counties League.

The home side, who had lost their three previous encounters, scored four tries in a 25-20 defeat of Hindpool.

Forwards Gareth Franklin, Kris Richards, Dane Armstrong, Guy Harvey and Scott Foote were outstanding in defence and attack.

David Sweeney directed his young charges around the field from hooker, while half-backs Jonathan Fullalove and Paul Turner created a clutch of chances for the backs.

Higgy went ahead after eight minutes when Chris Tomlin’s 20-yard charge opened up a gap. He managed to release the ball in a three-man tackle for David Sweeney to score out wide.

Moments later Jonathan Fullalove kicked a penalty for a 6-0 lead.

Hindpool restored parity with a converted try, the move originating from their own half, but Higgy wasted two good chances to go back in front as both Armstrong and Tomlin fumbled the ball in the act of scoring.

However, the hosts finally made possession count with a stunning effort covering 50 yards.

A burst from Gareth Brindley split the first line of defence, with the ball moving through Tomlin and David Sweeney, who set up Turner to score. Fullalove added the extras.

Adam Horabin increased Higgy’s lead to 18-6 just after the hour mark following good work from Sean Stubbs, Steve Perry and Dane Armstrong. Fullalove kicked the two points, before dropping a goal.

Higgy were soon back in the ascendancy courtesy of a Stubbs try — again converted — for a commanding 25-6 lead.

But Hindpool refused to throw in the towel, and three tries in a 10-minute spell kept Higgy on their toes until the final whistle.

In Division One, Oldham St Anne’s slipped to their third defeat of the season — they lost 30-6 at high-flying Thatto Heath Crusaders — but Rochdale Cobras and Waterhead tasted success in Division Four.

Waterhead got off the mark with a 14-12 win over White Bank Swans, while Cobras recorded a fine 16-12 victory at previously unbeaten Rochdale Mayfield.

Fitton Hill Bulldogs, playing their first home game of the season, were beaten 28-7 by Leigh East ‘A’ in Division Six.

The hosts led 7-0 after 20 minutes, but two converted tries before half-time put Leigh in command.

Despite the hard efforts of Josh Hulme, Michael Hall and James Wright, the visitors added three more tries to their tally after the break.

Mark Fitton was named the Bulldogs’ man-of-the match for the third time in four games.

Rampant Rangers
SADDLEWORTH Rangers defeated Waterhead 36-8 in the final of the under-18s John Burke Trophy at Greenfield last night.

Tom Hurdus, Scott Lamont, Sam Shaw, Matthew Fogerty, Jacob Myers, Andy Joy touched down for Rangers, with Joe Greenwood adding six goals.

Waterhead’s tries came from Luc Kinder and Ben Whitehead.

More rugby league on Pages 30-31.