TYLDESLEY RU almost pulled off a shock victory against Rossendale in the Intermediate National Cup. Down 34-13 against their higher-division rivals, they looked dead and buried.

But they clawed their way back in spectacular fashion, falling just short at 34-30.

Tyldesley began brightly with Tim Brown landing a penalty, skipper Dave Sivill scoring a try for the third consecutive game, Brown goaling.

But the home side responded with for a13-10 interval lead. And, with 15 minutes left, they had run riot. But Sivill marshalled his troops for one last assault.

First Flanker Lee Berrisford raced in for a try converted by Brown who also added another try with a 60-yard interception run. Then second row Darren Edge capped another fine display with a try to put Tyldesley within reach. Sadly, time ran out.

On Saturday Tyldesley travel to the Lakes for their first away game of the season.

Tyldesley 2nds went down 38-29 at Stockport, despite a determined pack performance, highlighted by a terrific try from prop Howard Hughes. There were also touchdowns for scrum-half Dave Baguley and flanker Rob Harrop, who scored from a rolling maul.

Tyldesley 3rds were punished by a strong Culcheth outfit which rattled up eight tries, answered only by a Steve Roberts touchdown and a penalty from Fred Eckersley.

LEIGH went one better than their derby rivals, beating Stockport 27-24 - with Matthew Brown hitting a last-minute penalty.

The hotshot also converted three tries and potted another penalty.

But Leigh were far from their best, despite first-half tries from Chris Marsh, Andy Clewes and David Bullough.

On Saturday (3pm) Leigh, with two wins and a loss this season, travel to Courage League leaders Carlisle.

The team: M Brown; J Bridge, A Higson, R Fletcher, A Westwell; A Clewes, C Marsh (c); N Dowson, B Gilman, P Hewitt, N Aspinall, S Haste, C Whittle, S Wood, D Bullough. Subs: R Robinson, T Westwell, P Lloyd, P Tomlinson.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.