Hindpool Tigers sit proudly atop the North West Men’s League’s Division Two following their 34-12 win over Waterhead “A” at Brisbane Park.
In a highly competitive 80 minutes, both teams showcased their attacking prowess, but the Tigers emerged victorious.
The opening minutes saw both defences holding strong until the Tigers took a 6-0 lead. Swift handling across the field allowed Connor McDermott to cut inside and score, with Ryan Kyte adding the conversion.
Waterhead missed a golden opportunity to score when full-back Jamie Mayall’s long pass to winger Cole Pimblett went into touch. A counter-attack saw the Tigers extend their lead when Reece Craig made a break and passed to Jack Osman, who scored, with Kyte converting for a 12-0 lead.
Waterhead, inspired by stand-off Cameron Robinson, mounted a comeback but lost the ball near the line. Strong defending by the Tigers prevented further advances.
Four minutes before the break, the Tigers increased their lead to 18-0, with Kieran Sharp setting up Zack Middlehurst for a try, converted by Kyte. A restart error by Jamie McIlroy led to a try by Luke Barbour, converted by Mayall, reducing the gap to 18-6.
Five minutes into the second half, Sharp’s short side move allowed Reece Craig to score, making it 22-6. An interception by Lewis Sayle set up Rocco Scarpone for a try, with McDermott adding the goal for a 28-6 lead.
Ryan Lord scored a try for Waterhead, converted by Mayall, but the Tigers quickly responded with Kyte sending Osman over the line, Kyte converting for a final score of 34-12.
Roose Pioneers came up short against West Bank Bears, losing 50-6, with a consolation try from Sam Beattie and a conversion from Matty Roberts. The Pioneers ran out of substitutes in the second half due to injuries, fielding a team that included three under-18 players.
Ulverston fell 32-12 to Westhoughton Lions after trailing 18-12 at halftime, with tries from Jack Aiken and Marc Storey, and two goals from Jay Smoothy.
Dalton secured a narrow win at Burtonwood Bridge 14-12 in Division One, with tries from Dan Knott, Brad Richards, and Owen Bridle, and a goal from Pat Kelly.
Askam achieved their first win in the Cumberland League, defeating Egremont “A” 38-22, leading 16-10 at halftime. Tries were scored by Lucas James, Luke Bolton, Liam Somerville, Rob Cockayne, Joey Blowers, Luke McIntee, and Oliver Guest, with five goals from Lewis Stables.
In the Conference, Millom lost 32-12 at home to Oldham St Anne’s, with tries from Josh Blinkhorn and Kyle Evans, and two goals from Lee Postlethwaite.
Barrow Island also faced defeat, losing 34-6 at Pilkington Recs, with Jake Stockdale scoring a try and Sam Jones converting.
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