TYLDESLEY RU kicked their league season off away at De La Salle and despite a off-key performance they could have earned a share of the points after a battling late surge just failed to prevent a 23-16 defeat.

The forwards failed to use the ball well enough and the loss of possension would have alarmed the most faithful of Tyldesley supporters as time after time the home side came away with the ball from both loose and set piece play.

De La Salle played the game well, spoiling all the decent ball Tyldesley had and captilising on mistakes made due to lack of concentration from both the backs and the forwards.

Tyldesley trailed 13-9 at the break thanks to three Eddie Wallbank penalties and despite starting the second half the stronger Tyldesley allowed De la Salle to extend their lead to 23-9 with a quarter of the game to go.

Tyldesley eventually woke up with some good running from Darren Edge and a fluid passing movement that nearly allowed Mark Swanton the chance to touchdown but a great cover tackle snuffed out the threat.

Tyldesley continued to plug away and eventually Swanton made the breakthrough for the try which was converted by Wallbank, however it was a case of to little to late.

Tyldesley now take on higher ranked Lymm in the first round of the National Cup at Well Street on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

The second team overcame De La Salle with a 30-5 victory. The home side's points came from skipper Dave Peet with two tries one goal and a penalty with other tries from Stewart Ashurst, Adam Fetherston, Dave Goulbourne and Dean Waterworth.

Tyldesley Under 16's entertained Trafford Under 16's and in a open game they where unluckly to go down 20-10. Try scorers for Tyldesley where Micheal Jones and Chris Barlow. Good perfromers on the day where Neil Lloyd and Jamie Aldred in the pack and Paul Martin, Ashley Worsfold and Peter Hayes in the backs. Tyldesley are looking to strengthen their Under 16s squad and players are invited to come down to training on Wednesday at Well Street, starting at 6pm.