Stunning success for Higgy

RUGBY:

A SPARKLING display saw Higginshaw, featuring new signings Jonathan Dobbs, Adam Newton and Luke Wrigley, beat North-West Counties League high-fliers Wigan St Cuthbert’s 40-28.

The hosts, aided by a resolute defence, had a good first half and were 14-6 ahead at the half-way stage.

Gareth Brindley, assisted by Newton and Anthony Sweeney, opened the scoring and, although Saints replied through a Joe Bennett try converted by Ben Cotterall, Higgy were soon back in the ascendancy.

Josh Coates, from Paul Turner’s wide pass, went in — Mark Ward kicked the goal — and then man-of-the-match Jordan Hanley slipped his marker to unleash Jack Hughes.

Ward also converted Coates’ second effort, before Saints retaliated through tries from Mike Weston and Scott Tabener, both goaled by Cotterall.

Lee Burke ran-in 30 yards to extend Higgy’s lead — Ward converted — only for Saints to hit back through a Jacob Clarke try converted by Ben Cotterall.

Hughes touched down again and with seven minutes to go, Hanley scored under the posts, offering a simple chance of an extra two points which Ward took.

Saints would not lie down and Cotterall dived over, but there was still time for Steve Perry to record a cracking try from new-boy Wrigley’s break.