Class-act Ward leading the way

RUGBY:

HIGGINSHAW secured their first away North-West Counties Division One win of the season, 28-18 against a robust Whitworth side.

Spartans took the lead with a well-worked converted try.

But the visitors started to gain control, with Elliot White and man-of-the-match Mark Ward and Anthony Sweeney all putting in outstanding displays.

Higginshaw hit back after 25 minutes following a fine break from Gareth Brindley.

Sweeney added the conversion to make it 6-6, then it was Josh Coates who broke clear, before putting Ward in for his second try. Sweeney added the extras to make it 12-6.

Spartans fought back but Higginshaw kept their line intact and scored the try of the match.

White beat the defensive line to draw his man and put Ryan Standring in for a great score.

Sweeney added the conversion to make it 18-6 at the interval.

In the second half Higginshaw threw everything at a robust Spartans side, and Lee Burke was next to score following a 30-yard run to the corner.

At the next play Tomlin sent in Burke for a try – converted by Sweeney – in the corner to make it 28-6.

The hosts grabbed two late tries, which were both converted, but Higginshaw held on.