Dodworth 14 Blackbrook 34 BLACKBROOK kept alive their hopes of third place in the National Conference second division table with this hard-earned success over their Barnsley hosts on Saturday.

But victory over a gritty and determined Yorkshire outfit was much harder than the final scoreline would suggest.

The visitors were forced to make several changes to the starting line-up due to injuries and holidays but nevertheless, look to have uncovered two useful recruits from the club's youth section.

Ian Honey was an instant hit in the number nine shirt on his conference debut and substitute Ian Lynch also caught the eye with his enthusiastic running and tackling.

The small, narrow pitch restricted the normal free-flowing movement of the visitors' speedy back division and favoured the powerhouse drives down the middle of the burly Dodworth outfit.

But Brook's more mobile pack held all the aces. Prop forwards Colin Smith and Dave Ryan constantly ran straight at the heart of the home defence while the tough tackling of the visitors' six as a unit was also a constant worry for their counterparts.

Behind them at half back two-try skipper Mike Hitchin and Brook's Man of the Match Darren Mitchell were at the hub of most of the visitors' moves, while right centre Ian Callaghan finished the game with a personal tally of 16 points from six goals and a try.

Callaghan set the scoreboard rolling with a second minute penalty goal and an unconverted try four minutes later.

Blackbrook increased their leadt to 12 points midway through the first half with a Mike Hitchin try goaled by Ian Callaghan.

Dodworth reduced the deficit to four points at 8-12 with a try from left centre Jason Harrison and two goals by stand-off Jon Nicholls. But Brook responded with an Andy Fisher touchdown and a Callaghan conversion in the closing stages of the first half to lead 18-8 at the interval.

A defensive error in front of the Brook posts on 50 minutes gifted a try to Dodworth substitute Chris Duckett and Jon Nicholls added the easy conversion.

But the turning point of the game came just five minutes later. Speedy full-back Paul Toole engineered a crucial try for the visitors when he burned off the despairing Dodworth cover, with a thrilling 60-metre touchline run, before turning the ball inside to send left wingman Mike Simmons on a clear un to the Dodworth posts.

The successful conversion and two penalty goals minutes later by Ian Callaghan put the game safely out of the homester's reach at 14-28.

A similar touchline break by Phil Smith five minutes later, resulted in a try in the corner for Mike Hitchin and Paul Toole set the seal on Brook's fine victory with a towering touchline conversion.

Darren Mitchell received the Blackbrook/Construction Power Services MoM accolade with Colin Smith and Dave Ryan also worthy contenders. Blackbrook Royals under 15s 34

Royton Tigers 11

Royals claimed the North West Counties League Premier Division title for the third consecutive year after this disciplined effort against an aggressive Royton side.

With a few players carrying knocks, Royals were never quite at their best. But they still scored some fine tries - none better than the length-of-the-field movement for Mark Costello's second.

Sean Bond, Mark Leonard, Mike Platt and John Clough ascored Royals' other tries, with Warren Taylor and Mark Gibson converting well.

The tireless Shane White took the Proctor and Gamble man of the match award, with Mike Ledger and Phil Fairclough also impressing.

The side, coached by Ian Williams and John Winders, now go for the double when they take on Leigh East in the cup final at Golborne Parkside on April 18.

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