Gateshead Storm 14 Woolston Rovers 26

WOOLSTON Rovers were "never in danger" of losing at Gateshead Storm on Saturday despite a late rally from the hosts, head coach John Fieldhouse says.

Rovers led 22-0 in the north east before the hosts were able to reduce the gap to eight points, but the visitors saw out the victory.

Lewis Hoarty, Henry Davies, Connor Muir, Justin Becker and debutant Lewis Thorpe all crossed the line, with Thailand international Chris Twigg adding three conversions.

"We controlled the game for the opening 50 minutes and built up a very commanding lead, but for 20 minutes we let Gateshead build up a bit of momentum," Fieldhouse said.

"We didn’t feel at any stage we were in danger as our forwards really rose to the challenge and helped us to keep out of reach.

"Due to work and holidays, we travelled with just sixteen but we showed tremendous character and team spirit to get the job done."

Hoarty crossed next to the posts to open the scoring before a short ball from Muir allowed Davies to force his way over on the left.

Three minutes before the interval, Will Chadwick sent Ryan Brown through the defence and he found Muir in support to make it 16-0 to the visitors at the break.

Fieldhouse's side extended their lead just after half time when Chadwick's looping pass found Becker and he weaved through the Storm defence to cross between the posts.

However, that proved the catalyst for a Gateshead comeback, with Chris Parker opening their account before Thomas Skidmore and James Pocklington crossed to put the hosts back in contention.

Rovers refused to panic and an inventive, through-the-legs pass from substitute Aaron Barber kept the ball alive for Cameron Davies to put Thorpe over in the corner.

Woolston's next game sees them welcome Stanley Rangers to Monk Sports Club, kick off 2.30pm.

Woolston: Chris Twigg; Alex Dunne, Justin Becker, Lewis Hoarty, Christian Taylor; Will Chadwick, Connor Muir; Jack Sherratt, Ryan Brown, Ryan Hickman, Callum Davies, Sean Conway, Dan Fearnley. Subs: Aaron Barber, Henry Davies, Lewis Thorpe.

Woolston Rovers A 32 Little Hulton Reds 30

ROVERS A moved back to the top of North West Men's League Division Four with a hard-fought victory over Little Hulton Reds on Saturday.

James Lawton opened the scoring early for Rovers before Callum Moore superbly claimed Billy Maunder's kick to extend the advantage.

A fine pass from Adam Files allowed brother Harry to score between the posts before Maunder's interception led to Liam Sullivan crossing in the right corner.

James Mason crossed for the visitors just before the break before Lee Foster's score just after it reduced Rovers' lead even further.

Olly Parr's try gave Rovers more breathing space, but the visitors kept coming back and Connor Sherwin scored on the right before Chris Gaffey crossed to reduce the lead to just two points.

Matt Clarke settled any nerves for the hosts, who held on for victory despite Jack Schofield's try setting up a grandstand finish.

Woolston A: Liam Sullivan; Kieran Jones, Callum Moore, James Lawton, Jay Ryder; Sam Dobson, Billy Maunder; Matt Clarke, Adam Files, Richard Potts, Tom Fagan, Olly Parr, Harry Files. Subs: Keiran Moore, Niall Toher, Sam Files, Owen Hazlehurst.