Two-try Byrom back with a bang

RUGBY:

HOLLINWOOD recovered from a 10-point deficit to record a 34-18 win in Division Three of the North-West Counties League.

Warren Taylor initiated the fightback against hosts Wigan St Cuthberts, who had built up an early lead with the advantage of the slope and the wind at their backs.

Taylor dived in at the corner and, although Andy Gorey missed the conversion, he soon made amends by scoring a try which he converted to level things up.

Then it was the turn of John Byrom, returning after injury, to cross the line, with Gorey adding the goal. Second-bottom St Cuthberts retaliated with an unconverted try, only for Byrom to take the score to 20-14 in the visitors’ favour by going over again.

With the slope and the wind in their favour, the second half belonged to Hollinwood. Gorey was instrumental as he forced St Cuthberts back in their own half with clever kicks. The first set up a thrilling length-of-the-field race which culminated in Peter Davies scoring in the corner.

Paddy Jennings then showed a clean pair of heels in another sprint for the ball as Hollinwood increased their lead.

Though Cuthberts hit back with a touch down, Hollinwood’s defence held firm to the final whistle.

Jennings added a further try, with Gorey slotting over the conversion to wrap up his side’s second win of the season.

Eric Johnson was man-of-the match, while Jennings and Byrom showed up well for Hollinwood, who remain at the foot of the table but only on points difference.