Haydock 12 Farnworth 2 HAYDOCK maintain the pressure at the top of the North West Counties League after this nail-biting encounter.

Farnworth put Haydock under early pressure but the Yickers' defence held out. Anders did a great run up field only to be tackled 10 yard short. But it was Farnworth who got their points first with a penalty goal. Haydock responded two minutes later with a penalty goal from Anders. And Anders put Haydock in front after 15 minutes with another penalty goal.

Bone crunching tackles from Bloor, Pearson, Lowe and Dolan kept the Widnes side at bay, and good runs by Bloor, Boland, Speed and Fearnley meant Haydock always looked the most likely to score.

A neat little chip kick by scrum-half Boland over the Farnworth's defence nearly paid off, but the ball did not bounce for him, and the Widnes side escaped.

Haydock had had most of the play but could not turn pressure into points. Anders kicked another penalty goal after 46 minutes to put Haydock 6-2 in front. A lack of discipline came into the Farnworth game and after 62 minutes the moment the home crowd had waited for when Wayne Bloor scored one of his specials and went 45 yards to score a good try. Anders added a fine conversion to put Haydock in the driving seat. Haydock suffered an injury to centre Carl Ford with a bad leg injury who was taken to hospital. Farnworth put Haydock under a tremendous amount of pressure in the last 10 minutes, but some great tackling had come from all the Haydock ranks, they kept Farnworth out, and held out to the final whistle for a well deserved victory.

Outstanding for Haydock were Anders, Boland, Bloor, Lowe, Dolan, O'Garra and Fearnley. Heyside Eagles nil Haydock A 58

Haydock second team scored 11 tries in this one-sided affair, despite ground conditions, which were very heavy.

Playing down the slope in the first half Haydock were on the scoreboard in the first five minutes when back to form winger Phil Barker crossed out wide. This set the tone for the first half and tries followed by David Owen (2), John Bradbury, Craig Howey, Alan Clarke and Matty Reynolds. Gary Conley kick three conversions to make the half time score 34-0.

The second half proved to be a little harder for Haydock as they found playing up the slope on the pitch slightly harder. Nevertheless, tries from Jimmy Jenkins, a 60 yard special from Simon Scott, and one apiece from Barker and Owen all goaled by Craig Haughey, sealed two valuable league points for the Haydock boys.

The Haydock Discount man of the match was Haughey, with Andy Fenney, Brian Bickerstaffe and Keith Dugdale all in contention.

Haydock under 18s nil

Pilkington Recs 22

Best for 12-man Haydock was Voss Ltd man of the match Craig Lyon, while Gareth Thompson and Dave Smith also did well. Anyone interested in joining this Haydock team should contact Billy Livesey on 01942 724337 (evenings). Folly Lane under 14s 16

Haydock 26

Missing a number of key players, Haydock showed great character to achieve this victory. After going behind to an early try, Haydock replied with a try by Ben Melia.

And a further try by Andy Owen meant Haydock led 8-6 at the break.

After the break Alan Pilling created the chance for Andy Owen's second try and Matthew Cunliffe converted.

Jamie Pilling added another converted try before Alan Pilling scored a memorable length-of-the-field effort. Cunliffe converted.

The Craddock and Lamb man oif the match was Matthw Cunliffe and other notable performances came from Jamie Pilling, Ashley Shaw, Gary Naughton, Kevin Taylor, John Raw and debutant Lee Chisnall.

Haydock under 12s 38 Bamber Bridge nil

A strong defence was the key to this victory and tries were scored by Lee Ashcroft, Barry Helsby, most improved Oliver Bavis, unsung hero Stephen Gaskell, top tackler Sam Melia and Rekon man of the match Philip Wilde. Coaches awards went to Martin Jones and Craig Usher.

Haydock under 11s 22

Longshaw Street Rangers 4

Try scorers were man of the match Steven Hudson (2), James Houghton, top tackler David Johnson and Matthew Tickle. Simon O'Rourke added a goal. Most improved was Kyle Davies and unsung hero Michael Ceislar. Coaches awards went to Harold Spencer Home Improvements and A.E. B Ashcroft.

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