West Bowling 34 Woolston Rovers 20

WOOLSTON Rovers head coach John Fieldhouse says Saturday’s loss to National Conference League Division Three leaders West Bowling was “tough to take.”

Rovers led the game in the second half, but three quick tries from the hosts ensured they made the trip back from Bradford empty-handed.

“That loss is a tough one to take as we had our chances to win the game,” Fieldhouse said.

“We spoke at half time about where we had gone wrong and we then went out in the second half and produced some really good rugby.

“I cannot fault the players’ efforts. They really gave their all but we need to learn to close games out when we get in front.”

Rovers dominated early on and went ahead when Alex Dunne collected Connor Muir’s kick ahead to score on the left, with Glyn Roberts converting.

However, after Harry Williams had brought the scores level, Daniel Gregory crossed twice to give the hosts a 16-6 lead at the break.

Woolston emerged from the interval with renewed purpose, with Sean Conway crashing over from short range before Will Chadwick pounced on a loose ball to level the scores at 16-16.

Chris Twigg scored in the right corner to nudge Rovers ahead, but Danny Halmshaw’s converted try gave West Bowling a lead they would not relinquish.

Liam Coe and Ben Heald both scored in the final five minutes to make sure of the hosts’ victory.

Rovers host Dewsbury Moor Maroons on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.

Woolston: Glyn Roberts; Chris Twigg, Justin Becker, Aaron Barber, Alex Dunne; Will Chadwick, Connor Muir; Ryan Hickman, Harry Files, Matt Davy, Dan Fearnley, Sean Conway, Matt Clarke. Subs: Ryan Brown, Lewis Thorpe, Anthony Clayton, Jack Sherratt.

Woolston Rovers A 60 Manchester Rangers A 10

KIERAN Jones scored four of Woolston A’s 11 tries as they produced a dominant display at Monks Sports Club.

There were seven different scorers for Rovers, with Kieran Moore crossing twice to go with further tries from Liam Sullivan, Adam Files, Nathan Evans, Niall Toher and Craig Rigby.

Danny Griffiths kicked four conversions, with Sullivan, Files, Moore and Olly Hands all landing one each.

“We are delighted with the manner of the victory. We scored early on and never looked back,” joint-coach Andy Penny said.

“Our substitutes were really key for us in the hot conditions. They were able to come on and continue to keep us on the front foot.”

Rovers travel to Orrell St James A on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.

Woolston A: Liam Sullivan; Daniel Farrell, Jay Ryder, Olly Parr, Kieran Jones; Olly Hands, Kieran Moore; Craig Rigby, Adam Files, Bobby McGregor, Niall Toher, Nathan Evans, Mike Ward. Subs: Ste Caley, Danny Griffiths, Max Ainsworth, Mark Haslam.