Forwards set tone for Higgy

SADDLEWORTH Rangers player Chris Conway is challenged by Reece Sedgewick of Wigan St Patricks. Rangers’ 29-12 win at Shaw Hall Bank Road was their fourth triumph of the season in the National Conference League Premier Division.

RUGBY: THERE were mixed fortunes for local sides competing in the Lancashire Cup first round.

Saddleworth Rangers ‘A’ produced a fine 44-10 victory at Wigan St Patricks, while Higginshaw saw off Wigan St Jude’s 35-24.

However, Waterhead ‘A’ crashed out courtesy of a 50-16 defeat at Heysham Atoms, and Oldham St Anne’s ‘A’ were knocked out by Golborne Parkside, who won 54-0.

Higginshaw’s forwards set the

platform for victory over Second Division outfit St Jude’s in a cracking tie.

Their reward is a home clash with Premiership side Blackbrook on October 30.

St Jude’s took the lead with a soft try, but Chris Tomlin touched down for Higgy soon after, with Jonathan Fullalove’s conversion levelling matters.

Higgy struck again as their constant pressure paid off, this time Fullalove going over and goaling.

Mark Ward capitalised on

hesitation from the full back to nip and and extend the lead to 16-6.

Sean Stubbs released Ward in the corner for another, prior to St Jude’s hitting back two quick-fire tries and a conversion.

But two penalties from that man Fullalove steadied the nerves, going into the break 24-16 up.

St Jude’s came out all guns blazing after the interval.

But solid defending from Sean Whitmore, Paul Turner and Gareth and Ashley Franklin helped keep them at bay.

Fullalove dropped a goal to add a point before St Jude’s broke through for a try.

But David Smith touched down and Fullalove added the extras to calm the nerves and end any realistic hopes the visitors had of salvaging anything from the game.

Tomlin made the game safe with a solo effort, despite St Jude’s late

consolation.