Tyldesley 49

Trafford 10 TYLDESLEY RU maintained their eight match unbeaten run and also put one of their nearest rivals to the sword at Well Street.

Before kick-off, visitors Trafford where in second place ahead of Tyldesley on points difference. By full-time the sides where poles apart.

With the pitch heavy but playable it was the visitors who set the early pace using a 10-man game with the fly-half kicking everything he got.

With all the possession going to Trafford the home side had to live off scraps and following a handling error in midfield, Tyldesley fly-half Dave Sivill was on hand to scoop up the ball and race 45 metres to touch down under the posts. With the conversion added by Eddie Wallbank Tyldesley went in search of more points but they had to settle for two Wallbank penalties in reply to a Trafford penalty for a 13-3 half time lead.

The second period belonged to Tyldesley. At last the forwards got their fair share of possession and every time Tyldesley took the ball forward they looked liked they could score.

Again Sivill broke through to score and two set piece moves brought two tries for left winger Gary Corbett. The forwards continued to press and flanker Lee Berrisford showed a good turn of pace to fly from the base of a maul and touch down from 20 metres out.

Another flowing move saw centre Andy Dickinson open up the defence and his inside pass allowed Sivill to complete his hat-trick with ease and put Tyldesley firmly out of reach. A typical forwards' try soon followed with a good catch and drive at a lineout allowing hooker Chris Plimley to touch down. Trafford managed a try in the dying minutes but by then Tyldesley had the game won, and won convincingly.

Tyldesley now move back into second place two points behind leaders De La Salle and two points and one game in hand over Trafford.

Outstanding again on the day were flanker Craig Pulman and No.8 Darren Edge with centre Stewart Manning putting in some bone-crushing tackles.

Tomorrow South Manchester side Bedians visit Well Street for a game they most likely would not prefer to have with a Tyldesley side playing with style, determination, self-belief and a good team spirit.

Tyldesley seconds travelled over the Pennines to Heath and gave the Halifax side a lesson in good rugby running out 26-6 winners.

The third team game was cancelled yet again, leaving them kicking their heels.