Higgy serve up a double dose of class

RUGBY: TWO stunning tries sealed a 12-10 home victory for Higginshaw over Haresfinch in the North-West Counties League Division Three.

It was a fine team performance which merited a win, with Jonny Fullalove in impressive form,

well supported by skipper David Sweeney and Paul Turner at centre.

Forwards Matthew Corbaly, Kris Richards, Gareth Franklin, Adam Horabin and Chris Tomlin also looked on top of their game.

The hosts took the lead after 10 minutes when Fullalove capped a fine team move involving Mark Ward, Richards and Adam Horabin.

Ward took the ball out of the home 25, and Richards burst through the first line of defence to release Horabin.

He drew his man and fed Fullalove on half-way. The stand-off beat the cover defence to cross under the posts. Fullalove converted his own try.

In what proved to be a tight contest, chances were at a premium and both defences were kept busy throughout the game.

However, the visitors did manage to temporarily regain a foothold in the game, with an unconverted touchdown three minutes before the half-time whistle.

It might have been the wake-up call Higgy required, judging by their reaction in the second period.

Around 10 minutes after the interval, the hosts extended their lead.

David Sweeney linked with Ward to move the ball away from the back.

Sweeney found Tomlin and the prop embarked on a barnstorming 30-yard run, before playing the ball to Horabin. From that point it was a family affair.

Horabin fed his uncle, Mark Jewitt, who in turn released his brother, Michael, who dived in for a try on the flag.

Fullalove again added the extras to put Higgy in charge.

A late converted try gave the home side a few jitters as Haresfinch threw caution to the wind.

But Higgy held firm to claim the win.

In Division One, Oldham St Anne’s ‘A’ remain at the foot of the table after a 50-16 defeat at Blackpool Scorpions.

Waterhead ‘A’ climbed off the bottom of Division Four after they were awarded an 18-0 win over fellow strugglers Eccles.

Saddleworth Rangers ‘A’ lost 16-12 at promotion rivals Cadishead Rhinos, but Rochdale Cobras ‘A’ stayed second after they overcame West Bank Swans 22-6.

Division Six action saw Fitton Hill Bulldogs lose 38-6 at home to Ashton Bears ‘A’, while Rochdale Cobras ‘A’ were unable to raise a team against Blackbrook ‘A’, who were awarded the points.