TYLDESLEY RU suffered only their third league defeat of the season at Ormskirk.

But it was enough to end their slim hopes of beating leaders Blackpool to the championship.

In a sometimes gruelling encounter the home side raced into a 8-0 lead before Tyldesley managed to settle themselves.

With good work from the pack, they remained camped in the Ormskirk half for a long period before constant pressure led to a break in midfield for centre Dave Peet to race in for the TD, converted by Dave Sivill.

Ormskirk responded with another try, and, despite a Sivill penalty, Tyldesley ended the half 15-10 down.

Tyldesley continued to dominate with the front row of James O'Connor, Chris Plimley and Howard Hughes controlling the scrums, Plimley reminding several people of his legendary grandfather Bernard "Spud" Murphy with an excellent seven strikes against the head.

From a controlled set-piece, Lee Cunliffe spun the ball out and a flowing passing movement found winger John Reynolds for a try in the corner.

But back came Ormskirk with two tries, the second somewhat controversial.

Tyldesley never gave up and a series of driving runs led to a second try for Reynolds. The Well Street side end their campaign with a home game against Furness in a fortnight and then visit champions Blackpool for their final league game of the season.

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