Ruskin Park 21, Marple 6

A TREMENDOUS display by the Ruskiono pack, against a much bigger eight, laid the foundations for this third successive league victory, which considerably eases any fears of relegation.

Playing against the wind in the first half, Ruskin were first on the board when Spencer Gore drove over from a line out, 20 metres out. Mark Potter converted. Although the visitors exerted tremendous pressure throughout the rest of the half, Ruskin's defence held firm, and Marple's only scores came from a couple of penalties.

With the elements in their favour after the break, it was Ruskin's turn to attack. With Mick Derbyshire winning most of the line outs, they laid siege to their opponents line for long spells, but were thwarted by the Marple defence. Their methods, however were not always legal, and Mark Potter made them pay heavily for their indiscretions with three penalties. Then in the last minute, Gary Smith sealed victory, when he pounced on a loose ball over the line, as the Marple full-back waited for it to roll dead.

Other results: Marple 2nd 12 Ruskin 2nd 17, Collegiate 3rds 18 Ruskin 3rds 10.

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