Haydock 1 Halton Simms Cross 4

HAYDOCK'S hopes of National Cup glory ended for another season as they finished up on the wrong of a soccer-type scoreline in this defence-dominated encounter.

The Yickers found it hard to produce the free-flowing rugby of recent weeks against their fellow North West Counties League Preimier Division outfit.

And although the home side had the better chances, the visitors probably just about deserved their narrow success.

Simmies were on top in the first 20 minutes but resolute defence kept them at bay, their only score coming from a drop goal.

Haydock gradually began to get into their stride with Neil Ireland, Bloor, Tither and Boland prominent, before Paul Ireland levelled the scores with a drop goal.

The Widnes side though were controlling the ball better and they grabbed a crucial penalty goal on 28 minutes to go ahead 3-1. And despite a fine jinking run by Boland that was how it stayed at half-time.

Haydock strived manfully to overhaul their opponents after the break but a combination of dogged defence and some sloppy handling thwarted all their efforts.

The only score of the second period was a second Simmies drop goal on 52 minutes. And although Bloor, Cahalin and Speed all went close for the home men, it was not to be Haydock's day and they had to bow to a well-drilled Simms Cross team.

Best for Haydock were Boland, Bloor, Neil Ireland and the hard-running Pearson.