Gutsy Saints give Millom a run for their money

RUGBY: OLDHAM St Anne’s, boosted in numbers by five under-18s players, put in a brave effort before succumbing to a 48-0 defeat at Millom in Division Two of the National Conference League.

Forced to concede home advantage after failing to fulfil the same fixture recently, Mick Worrall’s side conceded two tries in the opening quarter to Marcus O’Brien and veteran Tom Sibley which were both converted by Adam Kelly.

St Anne’s suffered injuries to Niall Collins, Carl Fields and Bradley Quinlan, but youngsters Sam Akeroyd and Josh Berry shirked nothing by putting in a solid performance alongside Mick Smith and Chris Richards, in his first outing of the season. Millom maintained their 100-per-cent home record

Craig Farrimond impressed at hooker, but the player-coach of Saddleworth Rangers could do little about his side falling to a 50-18 defeat at second-placed Pilkington Recs in Division One.

It was an uphill battle in St Helens right from the opening quarter-hour, which brought with it three Recs tries from Andrew Nesbitt, Ryan Hilliard and Ryan Liptrot.

Ethan Langhorn got one back for the visitors, with Ben Whitehead adding on the first of his three goals.

But by the interval, Pilkington Recs were ahead 34-6 thanks to further scores from Greg Smith, Josh Lynch and Kyran Knapper, with Danny Pynch kicking a total of five goals.

Forward Anthony Morrison led an impressive Rangers charge as the second half opened up, crossing the line twice. But more tries followed for the home side from Ian Stanley, Smith and Nesbitt.