Woolston Rovers 28 Rylands Sharks 36

RYLANDS head coach Matt Wilson could not hide his delight as his side opened their season with victory over neighbours Woolston.

Both sides reached the National Conference League Division Three play-offs last year and were kicking off their 2017 campaigns late, but it was the Sharks who edged a thrilling contest at Monks Sports Club.

“We asked the boys for a big effort and to dig deep and they certainly did that,” Wilson said.

“Woolston is a tough place to go and not many teams will come here and get anything, so to come here and get a win is extremely pleasing.”

Rovers head coach John Fieldhouse says silly mistakes were the reason for his side’s defeat after they held a 12-point lead at one stage.

“It was a frustrating afternoon for us to suffer a defeat like that,” he said.

“We needed to be smarter in the last twenty minutes but unfortunately we failed to man manage the game when we were 28-16 ahead.”

Lewis Hoarty put Rovers ahead early on by scoring in the left corner, but Rob Campbell powered over from a quick play-the-ball for the visitors to level matters.

A good handling move saw Jack Holt score in the corner for Woolston, but Rylands kept coming and Stuart Simm was able to finish off a good move involving Theo Holt and Troy Brophy.

Substitute Jason Garrathy gave Rylands the lead for the first time, but Rovers full-back Glyn Roberts stepped round the Sharks defence score ensured the sides were level going into half time.

Sean Conway and Connor Muir both scored to give Rovers a healthy advantage, but Aaron Holliday and Troy Brophy tries dragged Rylands back into it before Chris Meacock’s try secured the win five minutes from time.

Rovers: Glyn Roberts; Chris Twigg, Cameron Davies, Lewis Hoarty, Jack Holt; Will Chadwick, Connor Muir; Jacob Proudlove, Ryan Brown, Dan Fearnley, Matt Davy, Sean Conway, Harry Files. Subs: Sam Dobson, Henry Davies, Patryk Mazur, Ryan Hickman.

Sharks: Luke Walker; Aaron Holliday, Carl Lloyd, Troy Brophy, Stuart Simm; Theo Holt, Declan Leonard; Robert Campbell, Sean Boyle, Danny Woods, Brad McAlpine, Nick Braide, Anthony Braide. Subs: Jason Garrathy, Mark Robinson, Chris Meacock, Sam Roberts.

Rylands Sharks A 12 Woolston Rovers A 78

ROVERS did salvage some pride against neighbours Rylands when the A side produced a superb performance to rack up a convincing scoreline at Arnold Clarke Park.

Andy Penny’s side made a great start and were rewarded with two early tries from Alex Dunne to go with efforts from Tom Woodward and Bobby McGregor.

Steve Arnold extended Rovers’ lead before Rylands opened their account through Callum McCarthy.

However, two tries from Billy Maunder and a second score for Arnold ensured Rovers held a commanding 4-6 lead at the break.

Adam Files brought up Rovers’ half century just after the interval before Kane Doherty crossed on the right for the hosts.

That was as good as it got for Rylands as Jay Ryder, Callum Moore and Kieran Moore all crossed for Rovers before Files went over twice late on to complete his hat-trick.

Penny’s side welcome Cadishead Rhinos to Monks Sports Club on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.

Sharks: Lucas Barnes; Aiden Campbell, Jack Inman, Anthony Poole, Matty Suchas; Bruce Martinus, Anton Mason; Mark McArdle, Jordan Paget, Daryl Smith, Ian McLarney, Andrew Higgins, Mal Mason. Subs: Kane Doherty, Danny Slater, Callum McCarthy, Richard Clancy.

Rovers: Liam Sullivan; Alex Dunne, Dani Garcia O’Brien, Steve Arnold, Jay Ryder; Jake Eccles, Billy Maunder; Richard Potts, Kieran Moore, Bobby McGregor, Tom Fagan, Tom Woodward, Callum Moore. Subs: Owen Hazlehurst, Adam Files, Andy Nadin, Max Ainsworth.