Wigan Bulldogs 8 Burtonwood Bridge 16

HEAD coach Lee Cunningham is hoping to use a three-week break between fixtures to coax further improvement from his Burtonwood Bridge side.

Saturday’s victory at Wigan Bulldogs saw them stay top of North West Men’s League Division Three having not lost in the league this season.

Despite this, Cunningham says there is still “a boat load” of improvement in his young side.

“That was quite a test of our young players’ ability to ride their way through rough spots in the games, show a little bit gumption, and pull through the other side,” he said.

“The boys themselves know that they didn’t get out of second gear, thus our performance over the 80 minutes has a boat load of room for improvement.

“This can only be attained by the players showing a ‘team-first’ attitude over this next three-week period at training whilst we don’t have any fixtures.

“I really feel that this period can be that important to us. It can be a period of time that will dictate whether we group up improve and achieve success this season.

“The behaviour and decisions made will testify how much the players want success, and how much hard work they are willing to put in to achieve it.”

Having conceded the opening try after five minutes, Bridge emerged from their shell and nudged ahead when Mike Rafferty raced through a hole and put Rikki St Pier over, with Greg Peters adding the extras.

The hosts crossed again to lead 8-6 at the break, but it proved a false dawn as Bridge stretched away after the interval.

Craig Holcroft and Jake Boardman got over the line in the second half for Bridge, whose next game comes on Saturday, July 1, when they welcome Fitton Hill to Fir Tree Lane.

Burtonwood: Jake Boardman; Jack Graham, Tom Beech, Craig Holcroft, Mike Ryder; Mike Rafferty, Jos Woods; Scott Birchwood, Greg Peters, James Innes, Almer Salvilla, Rikki St Pier, Dan Hart. Subs: Tommy Rowlinson, Matty Wynne, Alex Newton.