Rovers' Cumbria killing! (From Warrington Guardian)

Rovers' Cumbria killing!

Roose Pioneers 20

Woolston Rovers 23

WOOLSTON'S North West Counties Division One clash was reversed and played in Cumbria with the result of a thrilling encounter being in doubt until the very end.

Rovers led 17-6 and 23-14 at stages of the game but Roose kept cutting loose from the noose and their final try two minutes from time provided for a nail-biting finish.

Woolston survived and on reflection could thank Clint Rylance, J Clarke and W Lawton for their major contributions to the winning performance and for putting Rovers in buoyant mood for their North West Counties Cup second round clash at home to Shaw Rhinos on Saturday, kick-off 1.30pm.

Chris Mellor dropped a goal to register the first point of the afternoon at Roose.

A knock-on on Rovers' line at the re-start gave Pioneers the advantage they needed to claim the lead as they scored a converted try.

Woolston had to work hard to get back in front but tries from Smythe and Clarke, both converted by Mellor, gave Woolston a five-point lead.

Roose's strong defence was next broke by a Mellor kick to the corner where Bright won the chase to touch down and take the score to 17-6.

Tries either side of half-time put Pioneers back in the running and the second half turned into a defensive battle.

Rovers regained the initiative as Mellor kicked three penalties for a 23-14 advantage.

As the clock counted down Roose crossed the Woolston whitewash from a chip kick but it was not quite enough to steal the points.

Rovers: M Roughneen; M Bright, P Berry, S Davidson, M Taylor; C Mellor, S Smythe; C Rylance, W Lawton, A Addison, J Clarke, M Waring, B Heaton. Subs: M Walker, C McKean, D Keane, N Glenn.