Slow start costly for Higgy

RUGBY LEAGUE:

HIGGINSHAW conceded 30 points in as many minutes as they slumped to a 54-22 defeat against Haresfinch in Division Three of the Kukri North-West Counties League.

The hosts, playing an expansive game, gave Higgy a lesson in finishing, scoring five tries, all converted, in devastating opening half-hour.

A touch down by Gareth Franklin, converted by man-of-the-match David Sweeney, reduced the deficit before the break, but Higgy still faced a near impossible task.

Haresfinch took their points tally to 42 within eight minutes of the restart, but were denied further joy by the visitors’ defence.

Higgy responded with three tries in the final quarter, thanks mainly to an inspired double substitution which saw Steve Perry and Gareth Brindley enter the fray.

Paul Turner, Brindley and young Callum Deakin went over to round off some fine attacking play, with Sweeney and Perry converting two of the scores.

But Haresfinch replied with two late tries, both converted, to take their points total beyond the half-century mark.

In Division Four, Saddleworth Rangers ‘A’ were beaten 30-26 at home to Cadishead Rhinos, but Rochdale Cobras swept aside Bamber Bridge 68-20 to extend their lead in the Rugby Oldham Challenge table.

Fitton Hill Bulldogs, including a first-ever try from Reagan, fought hard in a 48-18 defeat to high-flying Blackbrook ‘A’ in Division Six.

Bryson and Hulme also touched down, while Swaine kicked three goals.


Away woe for Rangers
SADDLEWORTH Rangers left Milford Marlins empty-handed after they lost 42-18 in the Gillette Conference Youth League East Region.



The Greenfield outfit are at home to Bradford Dudley Hill on Sunday.