Prescot Panthers 24 Barrow Braves 10 PLUCKY Panthers ended their 13-match losing run to record their first win under new coach Warren Ayres and only their second of the season with this determined display against Barrow.

It had looked like being the same old story when the visitors took the lead after just two minutes with a try by scrum-half Ben Slater, goalled by Dean Marwood.

The home side quickly hit back though when former Saints flier Barrie Ledger raced in from 45 yards in the eighth minute, with scrum-half Mark Jackson adding a great touchline conversion to tie the scores.

With skipper Russ Bridge, as ever, setting a sterling example, Prescot gradually began to take control as the game wore on. And two tries in three minutes just before the interval put them firmly in the driving seat. Hard-working prop Peter Steels forced his way over from close range on 33 minutes, and then Jackson stole over from acting half-back. With the former Pilks Recs player adding both conversions, Prescot led 18-6 at the break.

The big question now was would the Panthers suffer a familiar second-half slump? This was quickly answered in the negative as determined defence kept the Braves at bay in the opening stages of the second period.

Barrow finally broke the second-half deadlock on the hour when veteran former Great Britain prop Hugh Waddell grabbed a disputed try.

But Prescot were not to be denied and they made sure of a hard-earned and well-deserved win when stand-off Mark Wallington followed up a neat chip ahead to snatch their fourth try 12 minutes from time, Jackson again adding the extras to complete the scoring.

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