Blackbrook 12, Millom 25

A BELOW-strength Blackbrook side missed a golden opportunity to claw their way out of the bottom two of Division One of the National Conference with this defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Millom.

And it was a far cry from the opening day of the season when Brook returned from Cumbria celebrating a resounding 28-2 success.

There was never any likelihood of a repeat of that scoreline on Saturday but the homesters must surely have harboured hopes of completing the double over a side which had conceded more than 500 points in 16 league game prior to this encounter.

Brook started well enough in the blustery conditions, opening the scoring with a well-judged penalty goal by full-back Andy Benson. But sloppy defending from a play-the-ball - a feature throughout - enabled the visitors to take the lead with a try by Lupton, goalled by Evans.

Brook replied with a four-pointer by elusive winger Mike Maloney - one of the few home players to shine - but Evans' second goal from a penalty gave Millom an 8-6 half-time advantage. The first score of the second period was always likely to prove crucial and it was Millom who struck with a drop goal by Evans quickly followed by a try by loose-forward Robinson. Evans converted and added another penalty to make it 17-6.

Brook rallied with a try by substitute Ste Marsh, goaled by Benson, but Millom wrapped up victory with a try by Evans who also converted and added another penalty for good measure.

Best for Brook were Benson, Maloney, hard-working skipper Phil Smith and second-row Ste Molyneux.

Blackbrook Royals under 15s 8, Leyland Warriors 26

Royals were unable to contain the juggernaut Leyland pack in testing conditions but did have the satisfaction of scoring the two best tries of the game when excellent handling sent in Kevin Ryan and Mike Stanley. Lee Brown was man of the match with mark Keane, John Tully, David Baines, Chris Springford and Graham Henly also prominent.

Royals under 13s 10 Widnes, St Michaels 21

After the previous week's outstanding effort Royals disappointed against a useful St Michaels side. They failed to use the elements in the first half and trailed 11-4 at half time, and despite scoring first in the second half they were well beaten at the end.

Tries came from Philip McSpirit and Dane Shepherd who also collected the North West Timber top tackle award. Greg Hale collected the BICC Components man of the match.

Royals under 14s 18 Leigh, East 8

Royals maintained their position at the top of the table but struggled in the heavy conditions against a game Leigh East outfit.

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