Heartache for Hollinwood

RUGBY LEAGUE:
 
HOLLINWOOD’S hopes of reaching a first cup final were dashed by St Joseph’s, despite the efforts of four-try Pete Davies.

The Hudderfield outfit, inspired by a final-quarter display from Lee St Hilaire, the cousin of Roughyeds star Marcus St Hilaire, won 48-27 to book their place in the final of the Pennine League Supplementary Cup.

Hollinwood had no answer to the former Halifax player, who set up a clutch of late tries.

On a rock-hard Fartown pitch, St Joseph’s looked anything but a Division Six team.

Hollinwood made the perfect start to the last-four clash when a Davies score was goaled by the prolific Andy Gorey.

The home side drew level, but a try from Liam Parker put Division Five promotion-hopefuls back in front. But St Joseph’s recovered to lead 16-10 at the break.

A try from Davies just after the restart, with Gorey adding the conversion, restored parity.

Davies then made it three tries for the afternoon after side-stepping several would-be tacklers. Gorey missed the conversion attempt, but was successful with a drop goal.

Leading 21-16, Hollinwood looked on course for a final date at Dewsbury Rams’ Tetleys Stadium in May.

Despite St Joseph’s getting their noses in front with a converted try, Davies touched down for a fourth time, which Gorey improved, to take Hollinwood back in front But the introduction of Hilaire proved pivotal.

Producing several incisive breaks, he took the tie away from a Hollinwood side who had given their all.

Hollinwood, who are second in the Rugby Oldham Challenge standings, now turn their attention back to the Division Five promotion race.

They are fourth in the table, two points adrift of second-placed Stainland Stags but with three games in hand.