Ideal Isberg 54 Blackbrook 8 FITNESS was a key factor as patched-up Brook crashed to defeat at Hull on Saturday.

They competed for long periods, but were vulnerable in the last 10 minutes of each half.

Ten tries showed the first division pacesetters' ability to strike from virtually any part of the field but they were aided by some below-par defence from the visitors.

Other key factors in the homesters success were their speed of the play-the-ball, their willingness to support a colleague in possession and a well drilled defence.

The Hull-based outfit also had a decisive edge in the back division with the pace and handling skills of Adam Charlesworth and Phil Batty coupled with the finishing skills of Andy Dearlove who grabbed a first half hat-trick.

Stand-off Dearlove, snuffed out the visitors aspirations of a league upset by sparking off an unanswered 26-point first-half scoring spree.

His opening try had more than a stroke of good fortune about it as a mis-hit kick infield from the right flank, wrong-footed the Blackbrook defence which failed to clear the danger, and Dearlove was on hand to pick up the loose ball and stroll over by the posts. Second row man Paul Wardell converted.

Phil Batty, Carl Ullyott and Andy Dearlove (2) added further first half tries with Paul Wardell adding two conversions as Ideal built up an unassailable 26-nil first half advantage.

Ideal increased their lead with an early try by centre Mike McGowan after the break.

Blackbrook hit back with a superb midfield break by centre Steve Molyneux and scrum-half Chris Radcliffe moved up quickly in support before he was eventually stopped close to the line. From the quickly taken play-the-ball, the ball flashed through three pairs of hands across the face of the home-posts for Andy Benson to score in the opposite corner.

Skipper Phil Smith led the next raid on the home line with an excellent midfield break before he was halted 10 metres from the line. A minute or so later, winger Mike Maloney strolled over in the corner for Brook's second try.

But Ideal, with a two-man squad advantage were always in the driving seat against a Blackbrook side that lacked nothing in guts. And the gulf in the pace and power between the Conference First Division leaders and their relegation threatened rivals was clearly demonstrated as Dave Ward, Paul Russell, Adam Charlesworth and Andy Parker grabbed a try apiece and Paul Wardell added all four conversions in the closing stages.

Winger Mark Dickinson was a popular recipient of the Blackbrook/Construction Power Services man of the match accolade. Ince St Williams under 14s 8

Blackbrook Royals 14

After being outplayed in the first half Royals produced a stirring second half display into the wind and up the slope to overcome an excellent Ince outfit, and retain pole position in the league. With Ian Gwilliam, James Roby, David Gwilliam, Andy Brown and Chris Tyrer getting on top of the opposition and with man of the match Neil Rigby outstanding in defence, Royals ran in tries by David Gwilliam (2) and Thomas Cunningham with Paul Crook landing one goal.

Oldham St Annes under 12s nil Royals 30

Royals swept away the Oldham side with Franco's man-of -the-match Scott Holland, top tackler Martyn Bradshaw and Paddy Flynn partiularly impressive.

Orrell St James under 11s nil Royals 28

This was a good team performance by the Royals against an Orrell side who never gave up. Ashley Butler (2), Adam Twamley, Dan Fairhurst and Kurt Haggerty got the tries with Robbie Littler taking the S D Consultants man of the match and Will Abbott topping the tackle count.

Orrell St James under

nines 12 Royals nil

For the second time this season these two top sides fought out a tremendous encounter with Orrell this time coming out on top. Despite the efforts of man of the match Danny Leach, Owen Livesey and Thomas Johnson, Royals were unable to break a well organised Orrell defence.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.