Blackbrook 4 Featherstone Lions 32 THE visitors' back division held the key to this result.

They scored all of the Featherstone side's points.

But, the game will perhaps be most remembered for the performance of the match official who, appeared a little out of his depth. Home players and spectators were frustrated by the seemingly endless stream of decisions awarded against them. Two controversial first half decisions in particular played a crucial part in the visitors' success. With just six points in the opening quarter, separating the teams Blackbrook had a clear cut scoring opportunity ruled out when the final pass was adjudged to be forward. And in the closing stages of the first half the visitors were awarded a trydespite an obvious forward pass in the build-up.

There was little to choose between the sides in the opening exchanges with both sides going close before the visitors eventually broke the deadlock on 11 minutes. A superb tackle from Brook's Steve Molyneux stopped opposite number Dave Smith in full flight close to the home line. But crisp handling from a quickly taken play-the-ball enabled stand off Simon Tuffs to force his way over beneath the posts. Half-back partner Nick Frankland added the conversion.

Blackbrook hit back strongly and looked set to open their account with a try by Alan Barker but the effort was ruled out by the referee. Minutes later, however, Barker crossed the line in an almost identical position to reduce the homesters deficit to just two points at 4-6.

Five minutes before the break crisp handling by the visitors created an overlap on the left for centre Dave Smith to cross in the corner. Despite an obvious forward pass en-route to the line, the score was allowed to stand. However, within five minutes of the restart they extended their lead with a try from full-back Andrew Frankland, converted by Nick Frankland. The visitors were fortunate to escape punishment for both stealing the ball in a combined tackle in front of their posts and for what appeared to be an attempted spear tackle near half way, in the opening 15 minute spell. Then minutes later, Brook prop Phil Smith was obstructed as he attempted to play the ball in midfield, but the penalty award went against him.

Centre Dave Smith grabbed his second try for the Lions before they opened up a 22-point lead courtesy of a well rehearsed move that saw Andrew Frankland collect a favourable bounce from Simon Tuffs diagonal grubber kick and stroll beneath the posts for a try that Nick Frankland converted.

The homesters mounting frustrations at some of the decisions going against them eventually surfaced midway through the second half when they had a player sin-binned. And they lost another with a full dismissal minutes later. Good handling across the home posts to send wingman Dave Raybould over in the left-hand corner. Nick Frankland rounded off the scoring with a superb touchline conversion.

In the closing minutes of the game a brief skirmish in midfield resulted in a player from each side being sidelined. Thatto Heath Crusaders under 16s 4

Blackbrook Royals 30

Royals moved into the last eight of the Lancashire Cup with an assured performance against their new neighbours. They led 22-nil at the interval following tries from Danny Atherton, classy stand-off Mark Gibson, David Bamber and a long range Mark Leonard effort.

Although Crusaders made more of a fight of it other half-time further scores by Mark Costello and Shane White confirmed the outcome. Mick Ledger took the man of the match award, while John Clough, Paul Sexton and Warren Taylor were also in form.

Spotland Rangers

under 15s 30 Royals nil

Royals inexperience let them down against a useful Spotland side, who scored in their first attack and never looked back. There were, however, several good performances with excellent debutant Darren Winstanley, man of the match Lee Brown, Andy Tinsley, Richard Weldon, Steven Owen and Carl Brown standing out and with re-inforcements on the way, a better second half to the season is expected. Ince St Williams

under 14s 10 Royals 12

After dominating this game throughout Royals almost let slip a 12-point advantage in the last two minutes as concentration waned, but they hung on to progress in the Lancashire Cup. Man of the match David Gwilliam led an excellent forward unit with centres Neil Rigby and Craig Littler also impressing. Littler and Thomas Cunningham got Royals' tries with Paul Crooke converting.

Wigan St Pats under 12s 18 Royals 6

Royals bowed out of the Lancashire Cup but performed creditably against a powerful Pats outfit until injuries took their toll in the second half.

Paul Clough took the Francos Ltd man of the match and scored Royals' try, while Chris Donnelly and Paul Johnson also had excellent games.

Royals under 10s 36 Orrell St James 6

Four-try Sean Magennis took the Co-op man of the match award as Royals marched on. Fencequik top tackler Gary Wheeler, Chris Howell, Rob Anders, Andy Donovan, Chris McGrath and Jamie Foster also got on the scoresheet.

Royals under nines 20 Portico nil

Royals were given one of their sternest tasks of the season before emerging with the spoils against a good Portico outfit.

Man of the match Owen Livesey (2), Thomas Johnson, Luke Davies and Robert Murphy scored Royals tries, with top tackler Kyle Stevenson and Stephen Raffery also impressing.

Royals under eights 6 Haydock Warriors 10

Royals suffered their first defeat of the season but junior rugby league was the winner as an excellent Haydock side took the spoils in a cracking game.

Daniel Craven was Royals man of the match with Jordan Kilbride and Martin Marsh also impressing. Chris Ford got Royals try with Liam Holland converting.

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