Walney Central 22

Woolston Rovers 14

ROVERS were forced into five changes through injury and holidays before travelling to a hard fought encounter in Cumbria on Saturday.

Rovers took the lead in the eighth minute with a long range penalty from Steve Martin but the scrum half was forced to leave the field shortly afterwards with a bad foot injury.

Two penalty kicks from winger Mike Robinson gave the home side a slender 4-2 interval lead but a minute into the second half, Robinson broke down the left and found centre Dave Barker in support for a try.

Four minutes later Walney stand off Mark Clay dummied the Rovers defence and put Steve Eddy over for an unconverted try.

Clay continued to lead the Rovers defence a merry dance and he jinked his way over for his side's third try in a devastating 10 minute spell. Robinson added the extras.

Walney scored again shortly after the hour when Shane Irabor forced his way over in the corner to give his side a 20 point lead.

Rovers hit back when winger Mark Cosgrove and stand off Nigel Quarmby paved the way for Wallington to go over for a try that he converted himself.

The scoring was completed in the final minute when a quick tap penalty by Rovers caught the Walney defence cold and prop forward Clint Rylance barged over for a try. Wallington converted.

Outstanding for Rovers were loose forward Karl Taylor, stand off Quarmby and hooker Liam Horrigan.

Tomorrow, Saturday, Rovers are at home to unbeaten leaders Leigh Miners Rangers in the National Conference League Premier Division. Kick-off 2.30pm at Bennett's Rec.

Rovers: M. Wallington, M. Cosgrove, M. Carter, P. Clayton, D. Lomax, N. Quarmby, S. Martin, C. Rylance, L. Horrigan, P. Foster, M. Shephard, E. Harris, K. Taylor. Substitutes: S. Mullen, L. Neary.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.