Carnforth 37 Garstang 5

IN the first ever fixture between the two teams, Carnforth took a deserved break from league rugby with a convincing victory, although the score does not reflect the amount of possession Garstang had. Carnforths backs had an encouraging day with both wingers grabbing a brace of tries and stand off Iain Parkinson being instrumental in 5 or Carnforths 6 tries.

It was Parkinson who gave his team the lead with a 10 minute penalty as Garstang were caught offside. Minutes later and Carnforth were 8 points to the good, the backs using the ball well before Parkinson fed winger Simon Evans who crossed in the corner. Garstang, who would definitely hold their own in a league, came more and more into the game and they were rewarded when a well worked move down the backs allowed their back row to enter and the ever alert flanker reached out for a deserved try.

Carnforth hit back almost straight away as the forwards laid the platform for the backs to use. Scrum half Simon Hutton released Parkinson who spotted plenty of space on the left wing and his superb crossfield kick saw Evans with the easy task of picking up the ball and running it in for his and Carnforths second try for an interval lead of 13-5.

Carnforths 5th try saw the backs again use the ball well before Rylands turned try maker as opposed to try scorer, his chip kick ahead saw the rampaging full back Stuart Walker win the chase for the ball to score a try, Parkinsons conversion attempt just going wide. The game ended with aussie Rylands crossing for his second try after Parkinson again had been the main instigator in the move.

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