THE Scorpions started off brightly against the Culcheth Eagles and put concerted pressure on their opponent's line, but eventually lost 32-10.

Resolute defence by the Eagles kept them out and from a scrum near their own line they went the full length of the field to score a converted try against the run of play.

The Scorpions were still having most of the play and Gareth Chadwick kicked a penalty for them.

Paul Harte, improving with every game, made a strong run and released the ball to Shaun Towell who set up Ben Simpson to level the scores at 6-6. The Scorpions were once again attacking the Culceth line, but knocked-on when in a good position.

From the resulting scrum, former Oldham Super League player Paul Topping raced through the defence to score at the other end. The try was converted and the Eagles held a lead of 12-6 at half-time.

After the break Shaun Towell should have scored, but decided to pass.

The Scorpions made elementary errors and Culceth ran in four tries for a lead of 32-6.

Winger Jamie Ashworth was moved into the second row for the last 20 minutes and was rewarded with a try when he forced himself over the line from a quick play-the-ball. This came after Phil Webster was tackled just short.

This was a disappointing performance by the Scorpions after good results of late and featured probably their worst 40 minutes of the season.

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