Higgy scoop derby spoils

Photo: -Paul Sterritt

WATCHING OVER YOU: Jamie Mayall kicks for goal.

RUGBY: 

HIGGINSHAW claimed local bragging rights in their first Pennine League Division Three outing of the season.

At home to a Hollinwood side that could raise only 14 players, the hosts battled to a 38-16 victory.

Higgy went in front after 13 minutes through Anthony Hilton, who then added a second try 10 minutes later.

Higgy extended their lead just before the half-hour mark. Full-back Forsyth read Hollinwood’s move from the scrum and cheekily nipped in to intercept the pass from his opposite number, sprinting 50 metres before being stopped just short of the line.

The next play saw Michael Smith find winger Ryan Standring, who raced in for a try and a 12-0 lead.

Higgy dominated in midfield with Paul Turner, Mayall and Forsyth dictating the game.

Hollinwood fell further adrift when Rhys Wareing’s great burst up the middle sent in Sean Stubbs for his side’s fourth score of the afternoon.

The visitors hit back with two converted tries before half-time.

The gap was down to four points at the break (16-12) when a penalty try was awarded after Danny Wood was obstructed while chasing a kick through. Skilling again converted.

Higgy steadied the ship with Smith’s try and Forsyth’s goal, before Steve Perry’s touchdown took them further clear.

Forsyth added the goal and then went in himself after winger Sam Lambert’s 40-yard break.

Cameron Clare replied for Hollinwood, but the conversion attempt was missed.

Another Lambert burst set up Hilton for the final converted try of the afternoon.

Alistair Williams worked hard for Hollinwood alongside Matty McCullough and Hall, but Higgy’s extra numbers told in the end.