Hill on high after first win

RUGBY:

FITTON Hill Bulldogs produced an outstanding display in both defence and attack to clinch their first win of the season in Division Four of the North-West Counties League.

The local side, without a win in their previous 10 league games, defeated Westhoughton Lions 38-4.

Two well-worked tries from winger Carl Molloy, plus a Joe Tindall score, put the visitors 12-4 to the good at half-time.

Mick Whaley’s side kept their focus after the break and went over again through Aaron Fleming and Josh Hulme.

At the other end, they repelled three sets of six on their own line, the last of which saw Ben Smith race clear from 70 yards for an interception try.

Fitton Hill left the best until last, Martin Swain kicking through for Tindall to score his second try and earn himself the man-of-the-match award. Swain also kicked five goals.

Whaley said: “I was proud of the players, especially the forwards who kept driving the ball forward and for their defensive work on our line.”



HIGGINSHAW, playing their third game in eight days, gave an experienced Haresfinch a fright before succumbing 22-12 in their final home game in the North-West League before the switch to summer rugby.

The hosts got off to great start with Paul Turner darting in for a try after eight minutes. Jamie Mayall added the conversion.

Mark Fitton and Jamie Mayall failed to get the ball down over the line as the Higgy looked to increase their advantage.

Haresfinch tied the match mid-way through the first half, but Higgy responded when Gareth Brindley and Steven Perry linked up with Mark Fitton, who went over for a converted try.

The Haresfinch line came under sustained pressure in the second half — David Smith, Mark Ward and Lee Burke were outstanding — but their defence held out and they scored three unanswered tries, two of which were goaled, to take the points.