Seven-try Higgy live on the edge

Higginshaw's Adam Newton tries to break free from Dalton's Ross Colson

RUGBY:

HIGGINSHAW stunned visitors Dalton to reach the first round proper in the North-West Counties League’s Challenge Cup.

The home side, who are bottom of Division Two, recorded a superb 42-40 win against opponents riding high in Division One, despite trailing by 16 points with 10 minutes to go.

Higgy scored seven tries in a great attacking display on Oldham Edge, while Chris Tomlin kicked goals for fun.

Behind to a converted try after six minutes, the hosts drew level when Chris Tomlin went over after good work from Paul Turner and Gareth Brindley. Tomlin also added the conversion.

Dalton responded with a converted try, before Jordan Hanley put down in the corner after gathering a chip-kick. Tomlin goaled.

Two tries just after the half-hour mark, both converted, put the visitors 24-12 ahead, although Higgy did reduce the deficit with a penalty from Tomlin before the break. Tomlin had his kicking boots on, goaling an Adam Newton score two minutes after the restart.

But Higgy had it all to do when Dalton stretched their lead to 36-20 with two converted tries. They retaliated in style, producing some of their best rugby of the season so far.

Turner’s high bomb, gleefully collected by Brindley to score, gave Higgy hope. Tomlin added the extras.

Dalton then registered what looked like the killer try to make it 40-26, but Higgy refused to lie down.

Mark Ward scooted in after a 40-yard break involving Steve Perry, Jack Donbavand and Keith Chadwick.

And they were within touching distance of their opponents when Tomlin, receiving a Gareth Franklin pass, beat the covering defence to score. He also kicked the goal.

Higgy’s last try was a cracker, with second-row man Newton making an angled run for the line following Lee Burke’s burst through the first line of defence. The conversion sailed wide, but from the kick-off the ball went out on the full giving Higginshaw a penalty, and that man Tomlin did the rest.

Dalton had a penalty chance in the final seconds, but it was missed, much to the relief of the big crowd.