Depleted ’Wood go down fighting

RUGBY: HOLLINWOOD again had to cope without a full team as they lost 68-10 to Clayton in Pennine League Division Three West.

The players who arrived knew they were going to struggle, but couldn’t be faulted after giving 100 per cent effort.

Hollinwood had only 11 players until Phil Bell arrived directly from work to increase their numbers.

The home side was soon on the scoresheet with a converted try, but Alistair Williams hit back by crossing in the corner to finish off a passing move. The try was converted by Luke Skilling.

The big home side continued to move the ball about as the conditions worsened and the muddy pitch resembled a bog.

Hollinwood never gave in, Williams crashing over for his second try, and with only 15 minutes left the score was a creditable 44-10 for the hosts. But Clayton ran in four late, converted tries to win by 58 points.