Hindley 33 Haresfinch 20

LACK of composure and their inability to take chances once again cost Finch dearly.

Hindley raced into a 13-0 lead with two tries, two goals and a drop goal.

But Finch hit back when skipper Anthony Seabrook sent winger Paul Beardsworth racing up the left to score wide out.

The home side responded with two further touchdowns, courtesy of Finch errors, but centre Chris Mason his way over for the visitors' second four-pointer to make it 21-8 at the interval.

Hindley opened the second-half scoring with a penalty but the introduction of player/coach Billy Platt and fellow veteran Chris Gearing produced an immediate response for Finch.

Young hooker Russ Brookes scampered over a try, then Platt blasted his way through the middle from a pass by Seabrook, who also added both goals to make it 23-20.

At this stage the outcome was in the balance but a breakaway try put Hindley back in control and they completed the scoring with two further penalty goals.

Seabrook was the Franco's Wholesale Ltd. man-of-the-match for Finch, just ahead of teenager Brookes, with Karl Farrall, Danny Flynn and Phil Gwilliam also worthy of mention.

Grappenhall u/15s 28 Haresfinch 16

This was a gutsy display from a depleted Finch side, missing six regular first teamers, against First Division opponents.

Grappenhall went 10-0 up in the first 10 minuts due to some sloppy defensive work but Finch hit back with a full- lengther from captain and man-of-the-match Roy Tickle, converted by stand-off Chris Highcock. Grappenhall though extended their lead, against the run of play, to lead 16-6 at the interval.

In the second half Finch came out fighting and reduced the deficit with two more tries from Tickle and a goal from Highcock.

But Grappenhall replied with two further tries to record a flattering win.

Best for Finch were top tackler Tim Hodgson, Highcock and the ever-reliable Tickle.

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