Folly Lane 0, Haydock 28

HAYDOCK closed the gap on leaders Thatto Heath with this comfortable success against Premier Division strugglers Folly Lane.

Although Haydock did not play to their full potential it was pleasing to keep the Swinton side pointless. Haydock were in full control of the game from start to finish and only for good tackling from the opposition the score would have been a lot more.

Haydock claimed their first points after four minutes when strong-running forward Pearson made good ground and released winger Tickle who went in to the corner for a good try.

In terrible conditions and against a strong wind in the first half, Haydock where trying to play too much rugby, and keeping the ball alive.

However, determined running by Bloor, Pearson, Kelsey and Reynolds kept Haydock on top, and on 20 minutes good passing along the line saw Lowe put Tickle in for his second try when he rounded a couple of defenders to score to put Haydock 8-nil in front.

Haughey and Boland were controlling the game at half back and after 27 minutes, Haughey sent a perfect pass to running forward Bloor who went under the posts and Boland converted .

Folly Lane did put pressure on at times but never looked like scoring as the Haydock defence held firm and led 14-nil at half time.

Haydock started the second half as they did the first and within five minutes Tickle completed his hat-trick and a good conversion by Boland made it 20-0 to Haydock. Haydock kept up the pressure and, breaking from the scrum, Boland sent Mellors on a good run of 30 yards. And from the resulting play-the-ball the ball was passed through many pairs of hands, until Boland got it and jinxed his way over for a good try.

With 10 minutes to go Boland produced gem of a pass to Wade saw him score from 25 yards.

Outstanding for Haydock were Bloor, Haughey, Kelsey, Reynolds, Pearson and Boland. Haydock A 20, Widnes Tigers 0

Haydock's second string had their revenge over the Tigers who, three weeks ago, inflicted their first defeat of the season.

Playing in atrocious conditions, Haydock's game plan was to keep the ball tight and defend well. This they did and early on in the game it reaped dividends as hooker Geoff Newton carved out an opening for Dave Owen to score, Chisnall converted. Owen was then again on the score sheet as good drives from Neil Ireland and Gary Conley saw the speedy centre score from acting half-back.

In the second half the introduction of Ian Speed brought impetus to the Haydock attack and following a good break from him, classy stand-off Dave Livesley scored, Chisnall converted. At this point the Tigers 'upped' their game, but good defensive stints from Clark, Fearnley and Castle held them at bay. In the final quarter Dave Owen completed his hat-trick.

The Hitchen Security man of the match was Keith Dugdale, with Lybet, Matthews, Burgess and Barton in contention.

Farnworth 1, Haydock B 10

A good performance from the third team ensured the victory at Farnworth in blustery conditions. Farnworth took the lead with a drop goal after 20 minutes to lead 1-0. Despite being against the wind, they made good ground, and List got over for a good try to put Haydock B in the lead for half time by 4-1.

Haydock B once in the lead never looked like they wanted to lose it. With hard working forwards Broughton, Seddon and Charnock all running well. Haydock B sealed their victory with a try from Seddon which Burgess D converted to put Haydock into a 10-1 lead.

Outstanding for Haydock B were Charnock, Burgess D, Broughton and Seddon.

Haydock under 15s 0, Crosfields 28

This was a poor Haydock effort, for they made far too many basic mistakes.

Despite the scoreline, there were still some promising displays from Rekon man of the match Chris Lloyd and Craddock and Lamb top tackler Chris Pilling.

Haydock under 13s 4, Wigan St Cuthberts 16

This was a great display by 12-man Haydock. The Thirsty Yicker top tackler and try scorer was Daniel Gregory. Barry Helsby was the Sharpe man of the match and Pizza Perfect most improved was Barry Welding. Philip Wilde was unsung hero. Craig Houghton earned the coaches award, while Barry Barton never stopped trying.

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