WOOLSTON Rovers A coach Andy Penny remains “encouraged’” despite a first defeat of the season at the weekend.

Rovers host Rochdale Cobras in the North West Men’s League Division Three on Saturday at Monks Sports Club, kick off 2.30pm, looking to bounce back at the first attempt from a 26-14 loss at Wigan Bulldogs.

“Even though we lost our unbeaten record I was encouraged by the display that we put in,” said Penny.

“We had a lot of new faces in the side but they put in a great effort and they will be keen to improve further on that this weekend.

“We have a great home record and with a few bodies due back I am confident that we can get back to winning ways.”

“We had a good win at Rochdale earlier in the campaign but we will not be taking anything for granted.”

n Wigan Bulldogs 26

n Woolston Rovers A 14

MUCH-changed Rovers could not build on the foundations they set.

Jack Morgan crossed for the first two tries but Bulldogs established a winning lead with 26 unanswered points.

Morgan then provided the pass for Isaac Lythgoe’s consolation try late on.

Callum Moore sent Morgan through a gap to score his first in the opening minute.

A kick from Jake Eccles landed perfectly for Morgan to react quickest for his second and an 8-0 cushion that proved not to be enough.

Penny said: “I was really pleased with how the lads gave their all in difficult circumstances.”

“We had several players who were making their debut and they certainly never let us down.”

“The effort that they all put in was really impressive and I am certain that we will get back to winning ways very quickly.”

Rovers A: Josh Bray; Sean Millington, Jack Morgan, Ben Dixon, Craig Middlemore; Liam Sullivan, Jake Eccles; Jacob Proudlove, Callum Moore, Owen Hazlehurst, Max Ainsworth, Kyle Brown, Isaac Lythgoe. Subs: John Ward, Shaun Yoxall, Matthew Bayliss.

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