Rugby League: Littleborough 36 - 26 Higginshaw

Littleborough Rugby League

Littleborough Rugby League recovered from a slow start to continue their unbeaten home record with a victory against Oldham-based Higginshaw.

With a lot of disruption caused by a fire on the motorway preparation wasn't the best for Littleborough on Saturday and with four starting players making it to Rakewood five minutes before kick-off, it was no wonder they got off to a bad start.

Going 8-0 down in the first 10 minutes due to some weak tackling saw the Higginshaw centre Regan in first before the winger Wheeler doubled the lead. Fortunately for a shell shocked Littleborough none of the conversions were successful from the boot of Swaine.

Littleborough finally started to play the way they have all season as good work from the ruck by Nathan Worm Mason gave captain Adam Browne the platform to dummy his way to the try line for his fifth of the season and put him firmly in first place on the try scoring roster. Dominic Kershaw's conversion drew Littleborough to within two points.

Good build up play in the middle by Tom Morris, Christopher Lynch and Kyle Howarth paid dividends as second rower Michael 'Ronnie' Robinson crashed his way over from short range to give Littleborough the lead. Kershaw found his target with the conversion.

Littleborough extended their lead as good work from Murphy Holt sent the ball from the right wing to the left on the last tackle, to send Alex Green over for his home debut try. Kershaw converted.

A Kershaw penalty gave Littleborough a 12 point lead at half time.

Early in the second half a dummy from Gareth Sharrocks fooled everyoen and led to a forty metre dash to the line unopposed. Kershaw couldn't find the target with his conversion attempt.

Penalties gave Hiiginshaw a route back and two quick tries from fullback Brunt and Hughes quickly followed. Both converted by Jones.

Littleborough regained their composure and further tries from Jamie Lawlor and Murphy Holt, who was playing with a torn shoulder injury, put Littleborough well clear.

A try from Ujuari, converted by Jones gave, Higginshaw a consolation but that was all, as good defence from Lawlor and Kershaw held the visitors on the try line while try saving tackles from Morris and Cameron Kenworthy ensured the sun shone on Littleborough.