Promising start goes to waste

RUGBY: HOLLINWOOD wasted a promising first-half display to eventually lose 28-10 at home to Blackbrook ‘A’ in the North-West Counties League Division Three.

The hosts flew out of the traps and took the lead when Ryan Yates fed Michael Mason, who went over in the corner before Andy Gorey added the extras.

A Gorey penalty extended the lead prior to Blackbrook responding with two tries — one of which was converted. Another Gorey penalty made it 10-10 at the interval.

That was as good as it got for Hollinwood, who failed to increase their points tally after the break.

The away side crossed early in the second period as cracks began to appear in Hollinwood’s defence.

Previously tight marking started to slip and tackles were missed as they fell further behind following another try.

Ian Hunt led the resistance with some big tackles alongside Kevin Collins, but a lot of the fight disappeared from the rest of the side, who disputed a number of refereeing decisions.

With time running out a full-length kick and chase saw Andy Gorey tackle an opponent close to the line, with the referee deciding to award the try.

Half-backs Gorey and Paddy Jennings produced bright performances, particularly in the first half, with Kevin Collins, Dave Hughes, Ian Hunt and Pete Jackson also impressing early on.

But Hollinwood need a positive result soon — they are yet to register a point and sit eighth in the table.

Division Four action saw Fitton Hill suffer a 26-10 defeat at Woolston Rovers ‘A’.

Fitton Hill currently lie in mid-table with two points.