CHAMPIONS Fylde RUFC booked return ticket to the Lancashire Cup final with a hugely impressive 65-5 win over a well-fancied Orrell side at Edge Hall Road on Sunday (Feb 28).

This was a match which will be remembered for the outstanding teamwork which is a hallmark of this Fylde side.

Orrell kicked off with the wind at their backs, but the writing was soon on the wall.

Harry Gregory stole possession in the first minute and outpaced the home defence to touch down in the corner.

Orrell's response, however, was positive and predictable and it took a series of crunching tackles to keep the visitors in front.

After a prolonged period of pressure in the Fylde 22, Orrell were hit hard on the counter attack.

This time, winger Alex Shorrock showed devastating speed down the opposite flank before scoring under the posts.

Richard Whiteside made the first of five conversions.

Further tries came from Alex Edwards and scrum-half Mark Southworth.

Second-row Adam Watson went over to put Orrell's first points on the board after a penalty awarded for Fylde's failure to retreat the statutory 10 metres.

Then the try of the half was produced in a moment of inspiration by stand-off Whiteside who hoisted an up-and-under deep in the Orrell 22, and Gregory's instinctive catch sealed the score at the break of 31-5.

Fylde emerged for the second half, their appetite for success undiminished. Daniel Fernandez Arias evaded three tackles to score beneath the posts and flanker Chris Ward rounded off a fine move with a try in the corner. Centre Mark McCartney then went over for a try.

With the minutes ticking away Patrick Hamilton split the Orrell defence with a solo run which brought Fylde's supporters to their feet.

They had scarcely had time to sit down before Gregory sealed his hat-trick of tries and a quite remarkable cup performance.

Fylde now face Manchester in the final next month.

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