Easy does it for Haydock

ALTHOUGH not at their best, Haydock were always in command of this North West Counties League Premier Division clash and ran out comfortable winners.

Haydock started strongly and had points on the board within five minutes when good passing enabled Marsh to put Kelsey in for a try converted by P. Ireland.

Ten minutes later they had doubled their tally. Once again good handling opened up the Folly defence before N. Ireland created space for Hill to go over near the corner. P. Ireland added the difficult conversion then slotted over a drop goal before the visitors opened their account with an unconverted try to make it 13-4.

Haydock had the final say of the first half though with Marsh side-stepping his way over for a fine try which P. Ireland again converted to make it 19-4 at the break.

The home side again started well in second half and it took them just three minutes to increase their lead with Tickle scoring at the corner after good work by Bloor, N. Ireland, Kelsey and Cahalin.

Haydock continued to open up the visitors' defence but a combination of handling errors and refereeing decisions meant that they had to wait until seven minutes from time to add to their tally.

But they finished with a flurry when firstly Kelsey got the ball 30 yards out and outpaced a posse of defenders to score his second try, converted by P. Ireland. Then Pearson paved the way for Tickle to grab his second to complete the scoring.

Outstanding for Haydock were Bloor, Boland, Tickle, Hill and Kelsey.

Haydock Warriors u/16s 20 Shevington Crusaders 22

The Warriors lived up to their name with a battling show against high-flying opponents.

Haydock had the better of things for 75 per cent of the match, but a purple patch by the visitors saw them run in three converted tries which effectively sealed victory.

A closely-contested first half ended at 4-4 with Jamie Pilling scoring the Haydock try.

The home side started the second half brightly with Alan Pilling, Andy Owen and Robert Kenyon making ground. Then on the last tackle a lovely off-load by Danny Gee sent Jamie Pilling in for his second try. Kerkhof added the conversion and quickly followed up with a penalty.

Shevington hit back with three converted tries to lead 22-12. Haydock rallied with tries by Barry Kerkhof and Danny Lyon but it was too little too late.

Alan Mason won the Rekon man-of-the-match award and Danny Gee the Craddock and Lamb top tackler. Others in form were John Travis, Barry Kerkhof, Wayne Dollin and John Raw. St Judes u/15s 36 Warriors 0

Haydock were once again unable to field a full-strength team due to injury and illness, and were further depleted after losing scrum-half Michael Moran and hooker Daniel Rimmer.

The Haydock C & B man-of-the-match, Craig Tipene, and top tackler, Greg Holland both worked tirelessly in defence and attack, while Matthew Allen, Kevin Hughes and Daniel Rimmer also played well with Lee Seddon most improved.

Haydock are looking for players to strengthen their squad and anyone wishing to join should ring Kevin on 01744 616262 or Len on 01925 290295.

Warriors u/14s 12 Thatto Heath 36

Warriors were good going forward but their defence was found lacking in this derby match.

The Haydock tries were scored by man-of-the-match, Craig Houghton and top tackler, Craig Usher, with captain, Martin Jones adding both conversions.

Other players in form for Haydock were Barry Barton and Scott Cargill.

Portico u/11s 0 Warriors 30

This was a good defensive performance by Haydock against under-strength Portico.

Try scorers for Haydock were Dean Dollin (3), Martyn Pedley (2), Simon Ashall (2), Stephen Welding (2) and Gareth Lake.

Fouracre man-of-the-match was the strong-running Stephen Welding, an excellent defensive display earned Simon Ashall the Xenon top tackler award and Dean Dollin and Gareth Lake took the coach's awards.

Warriors u/10s 18 Folly Lane 38

In a game played in good spirit Haydock struggled in the second half due to the increasing number of

injuries sustained.

This week's L. P. L. Electrical Services man-of-the-match was shared between Ryan Livesley and Joshua Glover and the same players also shared the Weaver Vale top tackler award with Ryan Whitley. Unsung hero was Mark McGrail, with Thomas Colborn taking the coach's award.

Points came from Thomas Colborn (2 tries), Joshua Jackson (try) and Joshua Glover (2 tries and a goal).

Warriors u/8s 20 Ince 52

Haydock played well against a much bigger team.

Top tackler was Daniel Jones, Grant Winstanley was man-of-the-match, coach's award went to Ryan Plunkett and Dwayne Middlehurst was most improved.

Anyone interested in joining Haydock under 8s should ring Sandra Gardner on 600260.