HAYDOCK suffered a major blow to their title hopes.

They never really got themselves into the game, and did not do justice to themselves, but the score flattered the Widnes side.

Haydock started off brightly and scored first with a penalty goal from Ireland after five minutes. Farnworth started to move the ball well and several free-kicks put them in a strong position, and after 12 minutes they scored a try near the posts which was converted.

Haydock were finding it hard to break the Widnes side down. Boland and Dolan made good breaks, only to find lack of support. On the stroke of half-time Farnworth got their second converted try, to lead 12-2.

Haydock started the second half aggressively and went straight on the attack and after six minutes of the restart Anders put a good high kick up which was collected well by Speed who passed the ball to Lowe to put in winger Kay for a good try. But Haydock could not get over the whitewash again.

A mysterious penalty decision, one of many, allowed Farnworth to go 14-6 in front after 60 minutes. Farnworth were well in control now, and finally sealed the game with 10 minutes to go with a try and conversion to give them a 20-6 advantage.

Outstanding for Haydock were Bloor, Pearson and Lowe.

Royton Tigers 28

Haydock A 23

Haydock blew their chances of winning the league with this poor effort.

They led 10-nil inside the first 20 minutes with tries by David Owen and Alan CLarke and a Chisnall conversion, but a series of errors let Royton back into the game.

Chisnall added three first-half penalties and Haydock led 16-8 at the rbeak.

Early in the second half Craig Haughey side-steped through to extend Haydock's lead and Chisnall added the conversion.

A Haughey drop goal put Haydock 15 point in front before Haydock lost their way in the final quarter.

The Valley Taxis man of the match was Matt Reynolds. Royton Tigers under 13s 20

Haydock 14

Haydock's tries were registered by Michael Moran and Robert Palmer, with goals added by Matthew Foley (2) and Palmer. The Rekon man of the match was Craig Tipene, with Darrell Rotherham top tackler. Michael Allen and Lewis Wood also tackled well.

Haydock under 12s 22

Vine Tavern nil

A much-improved defensive effort paved the way for this Haydock success. Tries were scored by Oliver Bavis, Barry Helsby, Philip Wilde and Rekon man of the match Daniel Gregory.

Daniel Jones, Barry Welding and Andrew Leech also impressed, while Lee Ashcroft's goal-kicking continues to improve.

Haydock under 11s 48

Langworthy 18

Haydock's tries came from man of the match David Johnson (3), Steve Hudson (3), top tackler Andrew Bacon, Jason Raftery and Matthew Tickle. Simon O'Rourke and James Houghton added the extras.

Most improved was Tom McCooey, while Steve Hudson and James Houghton earned coaches awards. Unsung hero was David Weldon. Match sponsors were Harold Spencer Home Improvements and A.E. & B. Ashcrfot.

Haydock under eights 40

Wigan St Judes 24

Haydock's try scorers were West Lancs Steel man of the match Josh Taylor (2), top tackler Tom Colborn (3), Tank Taylor and unsung hero Ryan Livesley (4). Coaches award winner was Gary Anderton and Scott Davies was most improved.

Meanwhile, all at Haydock send their best wishes to D. Hitchen for a speedy recovery from the injury he suffered in this game.

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