Depleted Hounds fail to get rub of the green (From Warrington Guardian)

Depleted Hounds fail to get rub of the green

Hare & Hounds 10 Widnes Tigers 20

WITH the bitterly cold weather prompting the usual cry-offs, Hounds were forced to field a line-up containing four players over 40 for this clash against fellow strugglers Tigers.

Despite this, they were in contention throughout and could have won with a bit more luck.

An evenly-fought first half saw the visitors turn around with a 12-10 lead, Hounds' points coming from tries by Wayne Aschroft and Lee Johnson, plus a goal by Kevin Parylo.

Typical of Hounds' luck though the wind, comparatively mild at their backs in the first period, increased in strength after the break meaning the home men had to play into driving rain for most of the second period.

The turning point came when a promising Hounds attack broke down, a Widnes hand clearly knocking the ball into touch only for the referee to give Tigers head and feed at the scrum from which they scored the only try of the half.

From then it was always going to be an uphill struggle in the deteriorating conditions and despite sustained pressure against the elements, Hounds were unable to find a way through a dogged defence.

The only further score came from a penalty by Tigers when a Hounds player was sin-binned for dissent after being tackled round the throat.

Best for Hounds in a spirited performance were Dave Jump, Kevin Parylo and Lee Johnson. Training resumes on Tuesday, January 6 and all players are urged to attend.