Woolston Rovers return to winning ways by seeing off Barrow Island

WOOLSTON Rovers were “always in control” of Saturday’s victory, head coach John Fieldhouse says.

Billy Maunder scored twice for Rovers at Monks Sports Club, with Wil Maudsley, Henry Davies and Chris Twigg also crossing the whitewash.

Twigg and Glyn Roberts also added conversions as Woolston got back to winning ways, something Fieldhouse says was their main motivation.

“It was important that we bounced back from last week’s defeat at Eastmoor and we did that,” he said.

“We weren’t as fluent as I would like but with the number of changes once again it was to be expected.

“We scored some fantastic tries and also created a lot more chances without being able to get the final execution right.

“Barrow Island were tough opponents and really had a dig but I always felt that we were in control of the game.”

Matt Clarke and Lewis Hoarty combined to send Maunder over for the opener before Joe Spenceley crossed to level the scores.

Rovers edged back in front when Harry Files’ break was eventually finished off by Maunder, who then turned provider for Maudsley to touch down in the left corner.

Carl McBain narrowed the deficit to two points for Barrow just after the break, but that was as good as it got for the visitors.

Connor Muir’s pass allowed Davies to dummy his way over for Woolston before Maunder’s high kick was fumbled into the path of Twigg, who gratefully accepted the gift.

Muir was again involved for the final try as his fine pass sent Hickman in between the posts.

Rovers travel to Oldham St Annes on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.

Woolston: Glyn Roberts; Chris Twigg, Aaron Barber, Lewis Hoarty, Wil Maudsley; Billy Maunder, Connor Muir; Dan Fearnley, Ryan Brown, Matt Clarke, Henry Davies, Sean Conway, Harry Files. Subs: Niall Toher, Ryan Hickman, Danny Griffiths, Wez Lawton.

Cadishead Rhinos 8 Woolston Rovers A 42

A FINE display allowed Woolston Rovers A to climb back to the top of North West Men’s League Division Four.

Adam Files ran in a hat-trick of tries for Andy Penny’s side, while full-back Liam Sullivan converted all eight of Rovers’ tries.

Tom Woodward, Bobby McGregor, Sam Files and Jake Eccles also crossed to leave Penny delighted.

“We had a bit of a disjointed side out due to work commitments and a couple of lads having England under 18s trials but you wouldn’t have known that from the start we made,” he said.

“We completed our first six sets in the game scoring three tries and this put us firmly in control.

“We remained really focussed and showed how we can play when we stick to what we have worked on in training.”

Penny’s side host Little Hulton Reds on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.

Woolston A: Liam Sullivan; Kieran Jones, Olly Parr, Jay Ryder, Lewis Mercer; Jake Eccles, Olly Hands; Clint Rylance, Adam Files, Bobby McGregor, Ryan Peters, Tom Woodward, Mike Ward. Subs: Nathan Evans, Craig Middlemore, Andy Penny, Sam Files.