Diveney, Sneyd in starring roles for Waterhead

RUGBY:

A STRONG defensive effort helped Waterhead notch a fifth victory in seven matches in the National Conference League's interim competition.

Facing a Castleford Lock Lane side top of Group 'F', Waterhead took control from the off on their way to a 22-6 triumph.

With half-back pairing Mick Diveney and Terry Fitzgerald bossing proceedings, centre Carl Sneyd kicked two superb penalty goals prior to Diveney touching down for a try, converted by Sneyd, for a 10-0 lead.

The same player kicked another penalty before the break to leave his side sitting pretty and though home winger Craig Duncan crossed in the corner after the break, Wayne Hardy kicking the goal, Fitzgerald was next to register a try which Sneyd added to again.

Diveney got a second try as the game entered its closing stages, Sneyd bagging two more points before a late goal from Fitzgerald sealed victory.




OLDHAM St Anne's are on the coattails of their local rivals in Group 'E' after claiming a fifth win with a 34-12 scoreline at Eccles.



Jordan White and Dane English raced in for early Saints scores, Kiel Lancashire converting once, before Nial Collins ran in a third which Lancashire also improved for a 16-0 interval lead.

Steve Barry and player-coach Chris Irwin crossed for Eccles, Tom Warburton and Barry kicking conversions, but outstanding Saints prop Michael Cadd caused havoc and more tries arrived through Collins and Lancashire (two), the latter player also ending up with five goals.




SADDLEWORTH Rangers pushed Milford all the way but eventually lost out 30-24 for a sixth defeat in Group 'C'.



At home, Milford stormed out of the blocks to lead 26-14 at half-time thanks to tries from Arron Jones-Bishop, John Richardson, Adam Fairhead (two) and James Coates, Ryan Oxtoby kicking three conversions.

Rangers' replies came through scores from Junior Brandford, Danny Bowker and Marlon Miller, Josh Bradbury converting once.

Saddleworth roared back with tries from Oliver Kerr and Danny Attersall in the second half, Josh Bradbury kicking another conversion after Ryan Scott had given Milford some breathing space with a try.