Hollinwood give hosts a fright

RUGBY: HOLLINWOOD gave high-flying St Helens Wild Boar a shock by racing into a 12-0 lead in their North-West Counties League Division Three encounter.

But the visitors were unable to maintain their momentum — and it was Saints who made it nine wins out of nine with a 36-18 victory.

Phil Bell and Warren Taylor went over for basement boys Hollinwood, both tries converted by Andy Gorey. At that stage, a big surprise was on the cards.

Saints hit back with a converted try of their own, but Hollinwood were soon back in the ascendancy and went close on several occasions to increasing their lead. The scores were all-square at the break after the home side recorded a converted try.

Hollinwood found themselves on the back foot in the early stages of the second half as Saints put 12 points on the board without reply.

Despite being forced into changes because of players taking knocks, Hollinwood refused to throw in the towel and were rewarded with a third try from Bell. Gorey added the goal. It was a good effort from the visitors, with the final scoreline flattering the hosts.

In Division Two, Higginshaw were unable to raise a team at Spring View, who were awarded an 18-0 win.

Fitton Hill Bulldogs lost 38-26 at Westhoughton Lions in Division Four. Bulldogs, who led 8-0 early on, are still without a point in six league matches, but recent displays suggest a first win is not too far away.

Josh Hulme and Joe Tindall each bagged a brace of tries for Mick Whaley’s side, while Mark Swain kicked four conversions and two penalties.