Spirited effort
Date published: 14 April 2015
RUGBY:
WATERHEAD Warriors ran out of steam as they were denied a first win of the season in Division Three of the Kingstone Press National Conference League.
At home to Wibsey Warriors, the Peach Road club trailed 10-0 after five minutes and 22-12 at half-time. But they stormed back to lead 24-22 with eight minutes remaining, only for the visitors to grab victory with one last big effort.
Still, it was encouraging stuff from Waterhead, who were left chasing the game after tries from James Morton and Craig Barker. Lewis Barrett kicked a goal.
They opened their account thanks to Darren Nixon’s score and Jamie Mayall’s conversion, but Wibsey pulled away with Nick Walker’s touchdown, improved by Barrett.
Luke De Feu’s try and Mayall’s successful kick reduced the deficit to four points, but the West Yorkshire outfit had the last say before the break when Matt Cumberworth went in and Barrett added the two points.
Waterhead didn’t let their heads drop. Tries from Mayall, Ciaran Dean and Sam Mason edged them in front for the first time in the match. Mason’s try was the pick as he ran on to a Nixon grubber-kick.
It wasn’t enough, though. Wibsey nosed ahead with a try from Nick Fontaine, converted by Barrett, who then landed a field goal to seal the points.
SADDLEWORTH Rangers are still trying to break their duck in NCL Division One after being swept aside 40-6 by Skirlaugh. The contest was all but over at half-time after Craig Farrimond’s men conceded 20 unanswered points.
Anthony Morrison went in for Rangers’ try and Josh Bradbury converted in the second half.
Harry Inman notched a hat-trick of tries for the Hull side, Carl Puckering went over twice and landed four goals.
Tommy Harrison, Harvey Gotts and Connor Myers also crossed for mid-table Skirlaugh.
