Defeat on return for Higgy

AMATEUR RUGBY: HIGGINSHAW returned to North-West Counties League Division Three action with a two-and-a-half drive to Hindpool — but they returned home nursing a 18-4 defeat.

Both sides were a little rusty after the enforced break, and it was the visitors who slipped behind in the 10th minute.

But Higgy, after building up pressure, responded with a try from Sean Stubbs. Michael Smith set up a good position, with Steve Perry , Paul Turner and man-of-the-match David Sweeney also involved in the move.

It was Hindpool’s turn to turn up the heat on their opponents’ line but, with forwards Darryl Renshaw, Guy Harvey and Michael Smith setting the tone with some excellent defending, they were kept at bay.

The home side did go in front before half-time with a penalty, and stretched their lead with a converted try after Jack Hughes had gone close for Higginshaw.

Attempting an instant response, a combination of Mathew Corbally, Perry and Alan Dunn set up Turner. He in turn beat several players with a jinking run, only to be tackled with the line in sight.

A spell from the forwards kept the Hindpool back line occupied, but chances went begging, with Mark Ward tackled short of the line.

But Higginshaw’s hopes of getting something out of the game were finally dashed when they were hit by a soft try, which was converted.

In Division One, Oldham St Anne’s ‘A’ were left with another blank weekend as their fixture at Thatto Heath Crusaders was postponed.

Saddleworth Rangers ‘A’ went down 20-6 at Hindley in Division Four, while Rochdale Cobras lost 22-16 at home to local rivals Rochdale Mayfield.

Waterhead ‘A’ conceded an 18-0 defeat at West Bank Swans.

In Division Six, Fitton Hill Bulldogs succumbed 36-0 to Leigh East — their first outing in eight weeks.

Despite a lack of match fitness, the Bulldogs started brightly against a well-organised outfit.

They conceded three late, first-half tries tries, while tiredness set in after the break as Leigh crossed on four more occasions.

The Bulldogs, for whom Ian Bryson was man-of-the-match and 16-year-old Shane Connaught showed up well on his open age debut, battled hard in defence but offered little in attack.

Rochdale Cobras ‘A’ also conceded an 18-0 loss at Ashton Bears ‘A’.