Batley Victoria 6 Haydock 39

HAYDOCK progressed to the fourth round of the BARLA National Cup with this comfortable victory in Yorkshire.

Playing up the slope in the first half the visitors got points on the board after just four minutes when Tither and Hill sent winger Tickle in at the corner for an unconverted try. But Batley hit back with a good try and conversion to put them in front 6-4.

It was a short-lived advantage though as a minute later another good run by Tither paved the way for Cahalin to dart over. The St Helens team were now beginning to dominate and they increased their lead on 17 minutes when a good passing movement ended with P. Ireland sending winger Mellors in. P. Ireland converted.

Tickle then completed his hat-trick with tries in the 22nd and 28th minutes, the first after good work by N. Ireland, Bloor and Reynolds, and the second courtesy of Hill, with P. Ireland adding a conversion to make it 24-6 at half-time.

The second half was a largely scrappy affair with the home side using spoiling tactics in a bid to blunt Haydock's attack. The Yickers increased their lead with a penalty goal and then Boland shrugged off several would-be tacklers to go under the posts for a try, converted by P. Ireland.

The home side enjoyed some spells of pressure but never serioiusly troubled the solid Haydock defence and the visitors returned to the attack when Hill followed up a kick by P. Ireland to score. Ireland converted and then added a drop goal to complete the scoring.

Best for Haydock in a workmanlike performance were Bloor, Haughey, Tither, Hill, N. Ireland and Tickle.

Haydock B 4 Langworthy Reds 10

This was a disappointing result for Haydock's third team who were hampered by some strange refereeing decisions and injuries. All they had to show for their efforts was a try by Boardman.

Best for the losers were Cummings, Bradbury and Broughton.

Haydock will be forming an u/18s team next season and will require a secretary. If anyone is interested, please contact Frank Bradshaw on 01744 637054 or Eric Smith on 01744 601099.