Haresfinch 36 Saddleworth A 37 FOURTEEN points in the last five minutes was not enough to prevent Finch crashing to their fifth home defeat of the season against a mediocre Saddleworth outfit.

The homesters scored seven tries to the visitors' six, but were left to reflect on basic errors and a lack of discipline as they lost a game they should have won with something to spare.

After an evenly-fought opening half, Saddleworth led 19-12 at the break, thanks to three converted tries and what proved to be a crucial drop goal. Finch replied with touchdowns by second-rower Lee Burke and substitute Karl Farrall, plus two conversions by stand-off Anthony Seabrook.

With the wind at their backs for the second half, Finch started strongly with a try by centre Paul Burgess after good work by prop Danny Flynn. But Saddleworth quickly replied with two tries and a conversion to open up a 29-16 lead.

A converted try by veteran player/coach Billy Platt, after good work by Seabrook and loose-forward Damian Clitheroe, briefly raised home hopes. But Saddleworth responded with another touchdown and two goals to make it 22-37 with less than 10 minutes to go.

Finch refused to surrender and late tries by veteran winger John Hodkinson, Burgess and full-back Shaun Kilgannon, plus a goal by Seabrook, narrowed the deficit to a single point.

Best for the losers were Seabrook, Clitheroe and Hodkinson.

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