West Bank 12 Burtonwood Bridge 36

THE Bank struggled to raise a side due to many regulars being absent and took the field with a young and inexperienced team.

It looked odds on that title chasing Bridge would run amok, but the Bank youngsters worked hard and the final margin was much less than the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

It is vital the club gets its experienced players back for the next fixtures.

Bridge took the lead on five minutes with a try to hooker Alan Cunningham. Two more followed in the next five minutes from winger Lamb and stand off Hardman.

The Bank finally got going with M.O.M prop Kevin Droogan and stand off Leon Phillips both outstanding and forwards David Murphy and Danny and Tim Hale battling hard.

Bank centre Stephen Boscoe scored the best try when he caught his own chip-kick and raced 60 yards and captain Danny Hale added a penalty goal.

Bridge regained control with a try and two goals from winger Graham Cunningham to give Bridge a 20-6 lead and he grabbed his second try immediately after half time. Roy Mathias then added to Bridge's lead.

Despite injuries to Peter Dennett, Greg Lawrenson and John Lepts, wingers Rob Haining and Andy Finney saved tries with vital tackles.

Bank showed some neat touches and good passing saw Liam Johnson send loose forward Ian Connor under the posts from 20 yards. Danny Hale converted.

Not surprisingly Bridge finished the stronger and completed their victory with a second try from Mathias and two Cunningham goals.