Rylands Sharks 64 Waterhead Warriors 18

HAT-TRICKS from Troy Brophy and Nick Braide allowed Rylands Sharks to open up a three-point lead at the top of National Conference League Division Three.

Stuart Simm, Luke Walker, Mark Robinson and Ant Braide also crossed in a dominant victory over Waterhead at Arnold Clark Park, their sixth win from seven games this season.

The team was much-changed as a result of injuries and unavailability, but head coach Matt Wilson was proud of their efforts.

“We have done it tough this week in terms of our preparation,” he said.

“We didn't get much quality done this week due to us being down on numbers but the young boys that came in were outstanding for us.

“We started the game very poorly and I'll put that down to the lack of rhythm during the week.

“Once we got that out of our system we played some great stuff with the ball.

“We are still pretty angry with ourselves to concede 18 points today but we have been threatening to blow out on someone and we did that today.”

Sharks face a tough assignment on Saturday when fourth-placed Stanningley, kick off 2.30pm.

Rylands: Luke Walker; Lucas Barnes, Troy Brophy, Reece Barry, Jason Garrathy; Theo Holt, Chris Forster; Sam Roberts, Craig Harris, Craig Millington, Brad McAlpine, Nick Braide, Ant Braide. Subs: Declan Leonard, Eddie Masterman, Sean Boyle, Mark Robinson.