Parr Hare & Hounds 14 Bamber Bridge 20

HOUNDS were left to rue a string of missed chances and some sloppy defence as they let slip a game which they could and should have won.

After conceding an early try, the home side dominated the remainder of the first half but only had a solitary Wayne Ashcroft touchdown to show for their efforts leaving the scores locked at 4-4 at the interval.

When strong-running prop Mark Houghton blasted through early in the second half to give them an 8-4 advantage it looked as though Hounds would go on to take the points.

But once aain they failed to capitalise on a number of defence-splitting breaks, particularly by back-row forwards Karl Grounds and Mick Burke.

And, sensing a growing frustration within the home ranks, Bamber Bridge turned the game on its head with three tries in the space of 10 minutes, all of which were down to Hounds' errors.

To their credit, Hounds fought back again and Ashcroft's second try, goaled by Kevin Parylo, hauled them to within striking distance. But although they pressed to the final whistle they were unable to grab the equalising score.