Haydock 21 Thatto Heath 19 HAYDOCK finally buried the hoodoo to beat local rivals Thatto Heath for the first time in this Premiership Cup tie.

But the result of a pulsating match was in doubt until the last minute. Haydock had the advantage of the strong wind in the first half and started the better. They went close in through Tither and Pearson.

But Heath grabbed the first points with a penalty goal by Jackman after 12 minutes.

Both defences were on top but good passing by Haydock created the try when a kick through rebounded. Bloor collected, slipped it to Speed who put Ireland in for the first touchdown. Ireland converted.

Haydock scrum-half Boland was was controlling the game with some good passing and fine runs. Heath kept coming at the Haydock line but the defence held out.

But Boland got the next try. Good passing enabled Boland to skip round the defence for a good try to put Haydock 10-2 in front after 25 minutes.

But back came Heath. On the last tackle they managed to get the ball out and winger Prescott went in at the corner. Boland dropped a goal just before half time to give Haydock an 11-6 interval lead.

Haydock found themselves under pressure at the start of the second half. Jackman kicked a penalty goal after 45 minutes to make it 11-8. And Heath took the lead five minutes later with a good try by Jackman to put Thatto 12-11 in front.

The game was from one end to the other and back came Haydock with a strong run by Pearson who took several Heath players with him to score a good try. Ireland converted.

After 58 minutes Jackman reduced the deficit with a penalty goal. Boland, O'Garra and Bloor all tackled well and full back Wade made some great runs. But Heath snatched the lead again when a high pass reached winger Prescott who went in for his second try to put Heath 18-17 in front after 64 minutes.

Haydock took the lead again with a penalty goal from Ireland to make it 19-18 to Haydock with 10 minutes to go. Tackling was furious by both sides, Heath came back and again managed to drop a goal to level the scores at 19-19 with only six minutes left with extra time coming, but a penalty goal was given to Haydock 25 yards out against a strong wind, and Ireland cooly slotted it over to put Haydock 21-19 in front.

Heath came close to scoring the winning try only to loose the ball but Carroll, Pearson and Bloor kept them out.

But on the stroke of full time Heath were awarded a kickable penalty and to Haydock's relief Jackman booted it wide. Haydock held out to win a great game and both teams were a credit to the game of rugby league.

Outstanding for Haydock were Boland, Pearson, Carroll, Dolan, Wade and Bloor. Rylands 18 Haydock A 22

Haydock staged a great fightback to earn victory in this friendly. It sets them up nicely for their crunch game with Royton Tigers to decide who meets Thatto Heath in a title play-off.

Tries came from Haydock Discount man of the match Alan Clarke (2), Simon Scott and Tommy Frodsham. Neil Chisnall added three goals. The Valley Taxis tackle shield went to Dave Owen, while others in form included Keith Dugdale, Paul Johannsen, Jimmy Jenkins, Gary Conley and Matty Reynolds.

Haydock under 18s 34

Ashton-on-Mersey 32

Haydock finished their season on a high thanks to tries by Alan Graham, Mike Smith (2), Voss Ltd man of the match Craig Lyon (2), Scott Lyon, and Kevin Briers.

Lee Walker (2) and Ste Haselden added goals.

Haydock under 11s 10

Leigh East 12

Haydock were just edged out in the dying seconds after a superb defensive display against a good Leigh side.

Both Haydock tries were scored by Matthew Tickle, with Simon O'Rourke adding a goal.

Man of the match was Andrew Bacon, top tackler David Johnson, most improved Tom McCooey, and unsung hero James Walker.

Coaches awards went to James Houghton and Matthew Tickle, and the match was sponsored by Harold Spencer Home Improvements. Haydock under sevens 64

Leyland Warriors 36

A well-disciplined Haydock outfit produced the skills that were too much for Leyland. Tries were scored by Simon Ashall (4), Charlie Storey (3), Josh Brown (2), Ian Bond, Fouracre man of the match Shaun Cotham and Mathew Rimmer. Goals were added by Simon, Charlie, Ian, Shaun, Sean Miller and Damian Naylor. Coaches awards went tot Matthew Rimmer and Sean Miller.

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