Woolston Rovers 27

Saddleworth 21

WOOLSTON had three players sin binned and one sent off but were still able to continue their good run in the National Conference League Premier Division.

Paul Foster was red-carded late on for throwing a punch after he had taken exception to a Saddleworth player's 'below the belt' tackle.

It was Foster's quick thinking from a tap penalty that opened the try scoring for Woolston, who built up a commanding 19-6 half-time lead with further tries from Eddie Harris and Karl Taylor despite Harris and James Bell spending spells in the bin.

While scrum half Mark Wallington was in the sin bin Saddleworth pulled a try back through winger Paul Brassington and added another soon after to reduce the deficit to four points.

But Wallington and Graham Smith made a gap for Tim Brown to cross over. Smith's fifth goal added to his earlier drop goal gave Rovers breathing space at 27-17.

Rovers then had Foster sent off and Saddleworth scored a late try.

The man of the match tie was awarded to Rovers loose forward Mawdsley. He was well supported by centre Taylor and prop Foster.

Rovers v Saddleworth: J. Bell, G. Whaley, P. Fiddler, K. Taylor, R. Hudd, G. Smith, M. Wallington, C. Rylance, P. Stringer, P. Foster, N. Hyde, E. Harris, N. Mawdsley. Subs: T. Brown, J. Light.

Tomorrow, Saturday, Rovers are away to Haydock, St. Helens, in the Burtonwood Brewery Lancashire Cup fifth round. The coach leaves the club at 12.15pm for supporters wishing to travel.

Woolston A 36

St. Pats A 28

ROVERS fought back from 18-6 down at half-time and pulled clear late in the second half.

Tries were scored by Wilf Rattigan 2, John Welch, Dave Lomax, Garry Blackwell, Andy Marsh and Graeme Jones while David Hudd kicked four goals. Best for Rovers were Welch, Jones and Rattigan.

Widnes St. Maries A 17

Woolston B 17

WITH 15 minutes to go, 16-1 down and having contributed so much to a first class game, one may have expected the flood gates to open.

But Woolston dug in and never gave up. Converted tries by Catterall and McKean brought them to within three points with five minutes to go. Mike Walsh thwarted three tacklers to score the leveller wide out.

Best for Woolston were Dave Smith, Andy Stephens and Steve Hicklin.

Leigh East 22

Woolston u18 26

WOOLSTON secured National Youth League victory in the closing minutes when man of the match Mike Briggs secured his hat-trick.

They took advantage of some weak defensive work to hold a 14-0 half-time lead with tries from Briggs 2 and Simon Cowap, who converted one.

Woolston went behind 16-14 through ill-discipline and slack tackling but regained the lead with a try from Lee Bolton and Ayres booted over a terrific touchline conversion.

Leigh regained the lead but with seven minutes to go Woolston launched into attack. Ever alert hooker Briggs crashed over from acting half. Ayres made no mistake with the conversion.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.