Finch claim derby spoils

There was little to choose between the sides for much of a game played in gluepot conditions, but a four-try burst midway through the first half proved decisive for Finch.

After a scoreless opening 15 minutes, the home side took the lead when they cashed in on two handling errors by the visitors to score tries through sprightly wingman John Hodkinson and hard-working hooker Stuart Simmons.

These setbacks seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Hounds and Finch began to take control, increasing their lead with further touchdowns by veteran player/coach Billy Platt and loose-forward Anthony Seabrook.

Hounds finally opened their account with a well-taken try by stand-off Ste Hill, converted by prop Stu Haycock, but just before half-time Finch virtually sealed the game when the burly Platt blasted through for his second four-pointer to make it 20-6 at the break. Hounds enjoyed territorial advantage for much of the second period but were unable to break down a solid Finch defence, well marshalled by skipper Andy Hanley, centre Shaun Kilgannon, stand-off Gary Hudson and Simmons.

And it was Finch who eventually broke the second-half deadlock against the run of play when Seabrook broke through deep inside his own half and raced 70 yards to score wide out.

Hounds kept plugging away and centre Barry Dearden was finally rewarded for his persistence with a well-deserved touchdown, but it was a case of too little, too late.

Simmons, Kilgannon and Seabrook were best for Finch with young prop Robbie Broughton also worthy of mention, while for Hounds, tackling machine Phil Thompson was outstanding and there were good efforts too from half-backs Hill and Paul Martin, winger Mike Corrigan, Dearden and back-row men Paul Proudlove and Karl Grounds.

THERE was one winner of the Hounds' 'Predict The Score' competition, I. Corrigan from Blackbrook, who receives £85.

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