Hawcoat Park RUFC 38 - 32 Littleborough RUFC

In defeat comes pride of character as shown by Littleborough. Losing captain, Andy Bairstow to injury after only four minutes meant their only substitute, Andy Roberts had to come on and Boro played the game with no rest for anyone, a tremendous effort.

In excellent weather conditions to kick off with Boro were immediately under pressure in their own 15 metres area, which resulted in the leg injury to their Bairstow.

This initial pressure by Hawcoat Park soon resulted in an early converted try.

Boro came straight back from the kick off taking the game into the Hawcoat 25 metres, plenty of ball for Boro whilst pressing on the home try line but just not able to succeed with any points.

Towards the end of the first quarter Hawcoat Park went over the line again in the right corner for their second try.

This was followed with good ball collection by Boro and fine attacking run by winger Matthew Goldthorpe but Hawcoat came back on the attack into Boro's 25 metre area.

A freekick awarded to Hawcoat was put into touch in Boro's 25 metre area and after winning the ball their forwards got together and walked Boro's defence backwards to go over the line for a push over converted try.

Boro's Nathan Coop nearly scored after a strong push by the Boro forwards but Hawcoat regained the advantage and duly ran in their fourth try.

After kicking the ball high and forward Hawcoat's forwards once again made excellent yardage pushing Boro forwards back and crossing the line again for a converted try.

Half time:  Hawcoat Park RUFC 31 - 0 Littleborough RUFC

The start of the second half looked like the beginning of a different game with a good attacking run by Andy Roberts on the left wing taking Boro up to Hawcoat Park's 25 metres but a strong tackle on Goldthorpe only five metres from the try line prevented a score.

The pressure by Boro continued and resulted in their first try by Coop; converted by Park for Boro's first points.

Hawcoat came straight back at Boro and collected a further seven points but Boro still had their heads up.

A good three quarter move brought them their second try by Jack Whittles.

Further pressure by Boro resulted in a third try scored by Stuart Bairstow.

Good lineout work resulting in more ball possession by Boro playing more in their host's half resulted in yet another Boro try, from  Murphy Holt. Converted by Park.

Immediately after this score further good work from winger Goldthorpe gave Coop an opportunity to score his second try.

Not long after, and nearing the end of the match, Boro were awarded a penalty. Park opted to kick for the points and was successful.

This was the final points scored in a great come back by Boro,  but not quite enough to win the game.