Rylands Sharks 34 Stanley Rangers 12

HEAD coach Matt Wilson says his side’s fast start was key to them maintaining their unbeaten record in National Conference League Division Three on Saturday.

Luke Walker ran in three of Sharks’ eight tries at Arnold Clark Park, but they were only able to convert one of their efforts.

Despite their wayward kicking, Rylands remain one point clear at the top of the league with a game in hand.

“We challenged the boys to work a bit harder for a faster start. We certainly got that and it's difficult to be critical,” Wilson said.

“We still gave far too many soft penalties away today against a team that we really should of been putting away.

“We found it difficult to get any rhythm and that happens sometimes when you are comfortable but it's another game we will learn from.”

Jason Garrathy scored twice in the opening five minutes as Sharks flew out of the traps before a spectacular, length-of-the-field effort earned Walker his first try of the game.

Anthony Braide took advantage of some sloppy Stanley handling to race home from 40 metres to give Rylands a 16-0 lead with less than a quarter of the game played.

Walker’s second try confirmed Sharks’ superiority before the break, but Stanley emerged for the second half with greater purpose and got on the scoreboard through Jake Lord’s try.

An opportunistic try from Walker completed his treble, with Chris Forster adding the extras, but Jamie Bell ensured the visitors still retained some hope.

However, Sharks ended the game as a contest through late tries from Mike Harrison and Theo Holt.

Wilson’s side face their next test on Saturday when they welcome Waterhead Warriors to Arnold Clark Park, kick off 2.30pm.

Rylands: Luke Walker; Jason Garrathy, Carl Lloyd, Troy Brophy, Mike Harrison; Theo Holt, Declan Leonard; Ashley Losh, Craig Harris, Craig Millington, Danny Woods, Nick Braide, Anthony Braide. Subs: Chris Forster, Mark Robinson, Brad McAlpine, Rob Campbell.

Rylands A 12 Westhoughton Lions 46

DESPITE a spirited effort for the first hour, Rylands A fell to a heavy defeat to Westhoughton Lions on Saturday.

Aaron Holliday and Elliot Best got on the scoresheet for the hosts, with Best adding conversions to both tries.