Higgy hit overdrive

Higginshaw v Rylands Sharks

HIGGINSHAW put on a sparkling display of open rugby, in a comfortable 42-14 victory over Rylands in the North-West Counties League.

The home side dominated the game, never allowing Sharks to settle.

Powerful props Carl Fields and Steve Perry were outstanding up front. They were well-supported by the in-form half-back pairing of Jordan White and Nathan Jewitt, while David Sweeney impressed around the rucks.

Higgy were ahead in the fifth minute when Nathan Jewitt, breaking out of defence, sent Jonny Fullalove clear. He drew his opposite man, before supplying Jordan Handley, who raced in from 20 yards.

Fullalove added the conversion, the first of seven from as many attempts.

Sharks hit back with a try from Reece Oldens, and proceeded to pound the Higgy line.

Substitute Michael Smith, Sean Stubbs, Gareth Brindley and Jonny Kelly stood firm, and after weathering the storm Handley went in for his side’s second try from Laurence Girvan’s strong run for a 12-4 lead at the break.

Higgy raced out of the blocks in the second half, adding three tries in an eight-minute spell.

Stubbs was the first to touch down, before Jack Hughes and Fields combined to send in Smith.

Girvan completed the quickfire treble, this time after good work from Stubbs, White and Perry.

Although the advantage was 26 points, Sharks continued to pose a threat and it needed Ian Sutton, Nick Williams, Stubbs, and White to be on their guard.

The next man to go in for Higgy was Jewitt, who dropped his shoulder and showed the defender a clear pair of heels for a great individual try.

Sharks responded with a score from Adam Coley, which Ben Moore converted.

At the other end, Sweeney dislodged the ball in the tackle, White picked up possession and raced in from 40 yards. Fullalove converted to maintain his 100-per-cent record on the day.

With the clock ticking down, Moore went in for Rylands, but it did not detract from an excellent performance from Higgy.