Littleborough RLFC turn up big time in the heat

Littleborough RLFC

A brace from Jordan Turner amongst others saw Littleborough rugby league shine in the sun on a glorious afternoon in Wigan.

Travelling to Aspull New Springs would bring a very different challenge to one presented the week before by North West Tigers especially given the searing heat and humidity on display this Saturday.

Littleborough were quickly into their stride with the opening try in the first 10 minutes as the ball was spread to the left through the hands and winger Turner handed off the cover defence to squeeze in the corner. Kershaw couldn't quite match the quality of the try with the conversion but the early lead would be key.

The away side were on top and really taking the game to an Aspull side expecting it to be an easier game than they got. Boro prop David Mills made sure of that scoring Boro's second of the afternoon, breaking the line from around 30 yards out before strolling in next to the right post.

A replica score from Gareth Sharrocks mid way into the half took the game further still from Aspull. This time however, Sharrocks had to wriggle his way through a number of tackles to get his name on the board. Kershaw made sure they will equally rewarded with two clean conversions.

So with a 18 points on the board, Littleborough kept their foot on the gas with yet another priceless try this time through Jack Whittles. Finding space on the right hand side, he brushed off 3 tacklers to dot down for yet another try this year.

It could have been even more if the referee had not ruled out two other tries. The first scored by Aaron Jones who in his first league game this season nipped in to collect a box kick from the clever Kershaw. The referee had ruled that Jones was in front of the kicker despite all being in disagreement.

The second would have meant a second for Turner, but again the referee called play back for what he deemed to be a forward pass. However, going into the half time interval, Boro were in full command and were putting together a fantastic all round performance.

After the break, the home team rallied and put together a better second half performance meaning the game would be more of an even contest. Boro through Henry Ashworth, Will Drake and Paul Fino were pushing the home side back with some big tackles.

Despite all the visitors strong defence, Aspull got the score they were desperate for when after six sets of tackles and strong repellent scramble defence. Aspull prop Doug scrambled under two tackles to score. Boro can feel hard done by the fact that the ball as grounded short of the line.

Not letting the disappointment get to them, Boro hit right back in attack and should have had a 5th of the afternoon. David Mills once again picking a brilliant line and vearing left into space to open up a simple chance for support runner Browne to score. All he needed to do was catch the ball but he dropped it with the line at his mercy and the chance had gone.

Luckily for those of a Boro persuasion, Jordan Turner for once had a safer pair of hands collecting an easy yard pass from Fino in acres of space to stroll in for his second. Good build up an vision by Kershaw, Coop made use of the advantage in numbers down the blind side.

In the final stages of an energy sapping game, Matt Wild could have had his name on the scoresheet. Bulldozing his way past tired tackles before somewhat launching a WWE-esce slap handoff on the small fullback. The referee deemed it to be a bit unnecessary and ruled the try out.

Littleborough have continued their impressive start to the league campaign and performances like this suggest it will be a fruitful campaign.