Ellenborough 58, Blackbrook 0

BROOK were bounced out of the National Cup by a big and powerful Cumbrian outfit.

They battled bravely to stem the tide and enjoyed a modicum of success in the first half.

After the break though, Ellenborough, with no fewer than nine former Workington Town players in their ranks, simply overran the visitors.

Hard-working scrum-half Chris Ratcliffe deservedly took the Construction Power man-of-the-match award for Brook, with strong-tackling second-row Steve Molyneux also in contention.

Blackbrook A 0, Adlington Rangers 53

Brook second string called up a number of old stagers to fulfil this fixture and they gave a creditable account of themselves against promotion-chasing Rangers.

The speedy and well-organised visitors started in whirlwind fashion, rattling up 40 points before the interval.

In the second half Brook though made a game of it and they deserve credit for continuing to plug away to the final whistle.

Mel Mawdsley and Dave Lawrenson were the pick of the pack for the losers, with veteran Billy Woods and Stuart Wright best in the back division.

BLACKBROOK have lost the services of Lancashire half-back Darren Mitchell who has made the short trip across town to join neighbours Thatto Heath. The club's rugby secretary, Dave Hunt, said: "We are obviously sad to lose a player of Darren's ability but we wish him and Thatto Heath the best of luck." Snydale Scorpions under 16s 6, Blackbrook Royals 1

A try in the fifth minute of stoppage time robbed Royals of a deserved victory in an epic encounter. After having the better of the first half, Royals defended magnificently in the second and a Mike Lodge drop goal two minutes from time appeared to have won them the game, only for the last-second heartbreak. Man of the match was Mark Costello.

This Sunday, Royals take on National Youth League leaders Milford in the National Cup. Kick off 11.45am at Boardmans Lane.

Woolston under 13s 4, Royals 26

Royals produced their best performance of the season to defeat a big Woolston outfit.

A Dane Shepherd hat-trick and other tries by Phil McSpirit and BICC Components man of the match Philip Platt saw Royals home comfortably. David Bates picked up the Stephensons BMH top tackling trophy.

Haydock under 15s 35, Royals 10

Royals' recent progress ground to a halt, as they were well beaten by their local rivals. They were best served by man-of-the-match Carl Cheetham, Andy Dobson and Karl Melling. John Tully and Shaun Dugdale scored Royals' tries. Royals under 11s 30, Golborne Parkside 0

Golborne put up stout resistance in the first period before Royals stepped up a gear with some outstanding individual performances. Tries came from Adam Twamley, top tackler Stuart Harmon, Will Abbott, Dan Fairhurst and Kurt Haggerty (2). Bobbie Littler was the 5D Consulting man of the match, with Kizzie Edwards also prominent.

Royals under 10s 22, Leigh Miners Rangers 4

Royals had to work hard to progress in the North West Counties Gala competition, with tries coming from coaches award winner Jamie Foster, Andrew Donovan (2), Shaun Magennis and Liam Lavin. Gary Wheeler was Co-op man of the match with Chris McGrath the Fencequick top tackler.

Royals under nines 44, Woolston 14

With man of the match Thomas Johnson, Greg McDonald, Ryan Marsden and Josh Leatherbarrow in fine form. Royals ran in tries by Owen Livesey (3), Liam Taylor (2), Danny Leach (2), Luke Davies and Robert Murphy.

Royals under eights 48, Pilks Recs 22

Four-try Daniel Craven was the star of this entertaining game against a much improved Pilks outfit. Nathan Goodwin, Chris Ford, Liam Holland and top tackler Dean Craven also scored.

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