Ruskin Park 43, West Park XV 0

DUE to both sides losing their regular fixture this match was arranged at the 11th hour, and proved a triumph for the young Ruskin side.

Ruskin were first on the board, when Garvey kicked a penalty. Their forwards, with Swift and Gore to the fore, dominated from the outset, and this led directly to two tries from Gary Smith, both converted by Garvey.

With Derbyshire dominant in the line-out, Ruskin set up a continuous series of attacks, and West Park were forced to play much of the half penned in their own quarter. Before half time they had conceded two more tries to Bibby and Birch, to trail at the interval by 29-0. Many a side would have capitulated in the second half, but it speaks volumes for the tenacity of the visitors, that they were actually the better side for the first 20 minutes, and took the game to Ruskin. They were, however, unable to break down a resolute defence, and near the end, strong runs into the heart of the defence by Hughes and Hale brought further tries for Swift and debutante Mike Pilkington. Garvey brought his goal tally to six out of seven, as Ruskin passed forty points for the first time this season, a score-line which, in no way, did justice to the skill and determination shown by the men in green and gold.

Ruskin Park XV 5, Burtonwood 15

The Wooders' pack laid the foundations for this victory after Ruskin had taken an early lead.

Burtonwood replied when centre Rothwell went over and Paladino converted. Then Rothwell went over again after quick ball from a scrum. Paladino converted.

Just before half-time Burtonwood prop-forward Lloyd made a 60-yard break and scored under the posts.

Man of the match was Winders, while Owen and Swift also did well for the Wooders.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.