Blackpool Scorpions 16

Thatto Heath 21

IN only the Scorpions fourth game in three months the rust showed in a lacklustre display.

Thatto Heath took the lead with a converted try when a missed tackle allowed their centre to run 60 yards to score.

The outstanding Carl Briscoe scored for the Scorpions when he barged over from 10 metres. Chris Pearson converted to level the scores.

The St Helens side went 14-6 in front, courtesy of a converted try and a penalty given when the Scorpions were caught accidentally offside. Chris Pearson then scored for the Scorpions as he burst through a gap from a defence-splitting pass from Carl Briscoe. Just before the break, the visitors scored another converted try to lead 20-10. In the second half the Scorpions played panic football in their efforts to score. Quite often they were camped on the Thatto Heath line but took the wrong option and often lost the ball.

Eventually, with 10 minutes left, Dave Tanner scored from close range and Craig Campbell converted to make it 20-16.

On a rare venture into the Scorpions half Thatto dropped a goal to increase their lead to five points, meaning the Scorpions had to score a converted try.

They went close through Carl Briscoe and Craig Campbell but the visitors' defence held out.

Scorpions U13s 48

Royton Tigers 6

Tom Simpkin scored in the first minute followed by tries from Carl Eastwood and Scott Marsden.

Royton came back with a converted try but Simpkin scored his second to make it 22-6 at half-time.

Further tries came from Benson and Weham. Simpkin and Marsden both completed their hat-tricks.