Thatto Heath 12 Rose Bridge 23

THATTO Heath allowed this North West Counties Premier Division match to slip away by letting in two quick tries shortly after the half-time interval.

Firstly Rose Bridge scrum-half Wayne Riding and then loose-forward Stuart Cassidy scored with ease to put the game out of Heath's reach.

In the first half both defences were on top until Rose Bridge centre Lee Jones capitalised on Thatto Heath's inability to retain possession by swooping for a fine try, Lee Jukes adding the extras to give the Wiganers a six-point lead.

On 20 minutes scrum half Riding put over a drop goal to make the score 7-0 for Rose Bridge but just before half-time Heath's centre Darren Blanchfield was unlucky when adjudged to be on his back over the try line.

The score remained the same until after half-time when Riding and Cassidy hit, and with Jukes converting the latter to make the score 0-17.

Heath then showed the passion which was missing for most of the game and prop Dave Mitchell scored a determined try after stand-off Darren Harris fooled the Wigan defence with a well-timed inside pass. Barry Ford was on target with the conversion to make the score 6-17.

But on the hour mark Wigan second-rower Kevin Sheppard burst down the lefthand side to send in supporting winger Martin Hodgkinson under the post. Jukes again converted to stretch the lead to 6-23.

Heath again came back and it was Harris again who sent in prop Mitchell for his second try after a strong run by second-rower Jimmy Waterworth. Ford again was on target and the score was 12-23.

Heath went close again near the end but it was too little too late and Rose Bridge held on for a good win. For Thatto Heath Jimmy Waterworth was named man of the match with Harris and Mitchell not far behind.

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