Rylands Sharks A 36 Runcorn 12

RYLANDS A returned to winning ways against a plucky Runcorn side in the first of two matches played at Shark Park on Saturday.

The Sharks put in a powerful first half performance to take a 20-0 lead at the turnaround.

The Sharks opened their account on 12 minutes with a try on his debut from Declan Clarke.

Christian Froggatt added a second try on the half-hour mark converted by Sam Brinksman, quickly followed by a try for Rylands’ Tony Berry again converted by Brinksman.

The hosts finished the half with a second try for Berry just before the half-time hooter.

The second period saw the Sharks take the foot of the gas in the early stages allowing Runcorn to gain a foothold in the contest.

On 25 minutes Runcorn's efforts were rewarded with a try for prop forward Ash Wakefield converted by Danny Mullally.

The last 10 minutes saw Rylands wake from their slumber running in tries for Kris Buckley, Dave Manfredi and Dave Mahr, with Clarke and Buckley adding the conversions.

The visitors had the final word with a try from second-rower Adam Bagnall again converted by Mullally on the last play of the contest, but it was the Sharks who were celebrating at the final whistle after gaining two valuable points in their efforts to climb the NWML Division Four table.

Best for Rylands were Chris Meacock, Liam Lawton, Aaron Holiday and Dave Mahr while Ash Wakefield stood out for Runcorn.

Rylands: Aaron Holiday, Vinny Yeardsley, Kris Buckley, Sam Brinksman, Alex Hodgson, Matty Ryan, Chris Meacock, Mal Mason, Elliot Best, Ryan Palin, Christian Froggatt, Declan Clarke, Liam Lawton, Dave Manfredi, Tony Berry, Mark Mcardle, Dave Mahr, Jack Inman.