Rylands Sharks 32 Latchford Albion A 28

A TOPSY-TURVY ‘derby’ match say Rylands earn their first victory of the North West Men’s League Division Five season.

They were pushed all the way by Latchford Albion A, but triumphed in the end in a spicy affair at Gorsey Lane which saw one red card and three sin-binnings.

The Sharks were quick out of the blocks as Dave Walker crossed in the very first minute before Phil Risley extended the advantage shortly afterward, with Jack Lewis converting on both occasions.

However, after Jamie Sampson had pulled a try back, Latchford levelled when hooker Daz Hill crossed and Rick Metcalfe tagged on the extras.

Lewis slotted a penalty to send Rylands into the break ahead, but the visitors had their best spell of the game after the restart to take the lead.

Dave McInnes’ try, improved by Ste Hill, nudged them ahead before Metcalfe crossed to give them a two-score advantage.

Rylands were facing a second home defeat on the spin, but Dave Maher crossed to reduce the deficit to two points before a Chris Dean brace earned them a convincing lead.

Ben Walker was then dismissed for a headbutt for the hosts, but Latchford could not make the extra man count until the final play of the contest, when Sampson crossed for his second try.

Rylands travel to Higginshaw on Saturday, while Latchford A host North West Tigers at the same time. Both games kick off at 2.30pm.

Rylands: Lucas Barnes; Aaron Holliday, Kyle Cherratt, Sam Brinksman, Richard Clancy; Jack Lewis, Matthew Horne; Mark McArdle, Dave Walker, Ben Walker, Phil Risley, Adam Thompson, Chris Dean. Subs: Dave Maher, Chris Bringau, Daniel Banner, Craig Lawton.

Latchford A: Jake Ashton; Kamon Smith, Jamie Sampson, Lewis Thorpe, Lewis Mercer; Anton Mason, Ste Hill; Dave Heathwood, Daz Hill, David McInnes, Rick Metcalfe, Scott Rudge, Mal Mason. Subs: Rudi Stewart, Russ Clarke, J Stannier, Lloyd Feather.