Pendle 36 Hutton 7

PENDLE turned on the second half style to be crowned North Lancashire Division Two champions.

Phoenix needed time to find their stride, but a flurry of points after half time made the championship safe, sparking wild celebrations at Regent Street.

Daniel Rowland and coach Getty Schinkel provided the ammunition for Pendle’s opening score, Rob Lawless going over and Steve Kent adding the extras.

Then an impressive set move from the line out saw Carl Wiseman offloading to Ben MacDermid, scoring his first try of the season to extend the lead to 12-0.

However, Hutton hit back through a converted try and with just a slender five point advantage at half time, Pendle needed to switch gear.

The visitors were under increasing pressure, though, and powerful runs from Jammal Asghar, Lawless and James Redford, gave the Hutton defence plenty of food for thought.

Lawless, once again, was in the thick of the action, and Liam Canning took advantage, scoring his first try of the contest.

Pendle were camped in the visitors danger zone now, and they always looked capable of adding to their score.

Then, excellent tackles from Wiseman and Kent resulted in turnover ball, and then a slick interchange between Shaye McCullough, Sonny Waddington and Redford allowed Canning in for his second score of the match.

With the bonus point secured, Pendle rang the changes – but they continued to charge forward, keen to add to their growing tally.

And when Schinkel crossed the line for Pendle’s fifth try of the game, the title was secured.

Sonny Waddington scored the final try of the game, with Kent adding the extras.

Pendle awarded the Crown Forward of the Match to Shawn Moss and Crown Back of the Match to Kris Boocock for their commitment and strong performances.