Halton Simms

Halton Hornets 18

Finnforest Cup Final

SIMMIES' superb season continued after they beat Farnworth in the Finnforest Cup Final at the Halton Stadium.

Simmies got off to the perfect start when Paul Roberts combined with Mick Donnelly to send Mike Yearsley in for the opening try.

Neil Percival was held down close to the Farnworth line and from the resultant penalty Paul Roberts added to Simmies lead.

Farnworth came back strongly with Paul George, Tony Fretwell and Peter Forrest showing up well.

Good runs by Tim Leech and Duncan Potts took Farnworth to Simmies line.

Chris Smith snatched a loose ball to cross for a well-taken try that Mark Bazley converted.

Simmies went back in front with a try from winger Kevin O'Neill from a superb long pass from stand off Neil Percival.

Simmies hit a purple patch scoring three tries in the last 10 minutes of the half to lead 28-6 at half time.

From another Percival break, Roberts put Paul Walsh in for a try.

Next to score was Stephen Jones who raced 40 yards for a brilliant solo try and then Neil Highfield crossed from an Andy O'Neill pass. Roberts added the three conversions.

Farnworth improved their defence in the second half and managed to keep Simmies out and narrowed the gap with two fine tries in the process.

A brilliant run by Peter Forest sent Andy Saywell racing to the line.

Quick passing from a scrum then resulted in Mike Riley putting Barry Charlesworth over in the corner. Mark Bazley converted both tries.

Simmies stuck to their task well and Paul Roberts added a penalty and a drop goal to complete the scoring.

Man of the match was Simmies hooker Mark O'Conner.

Percival and Peter Grady pushed Mark hard for the award.

Roberts and Highfield also impressed for Simmies.

For Farnworth, Forest was outstanding with Tony Fretwell, Paul George, Bazley and Riley working hard.

Next Saturday Simmies have another final when they meet Bold Miners in the NWC Premiership final at St Maries.