Woolston Rovers 38 Hensingham 14

WOOLSTON Rovers’ pre-season work was evident as they saw off a well-fancied Hensingham outfit in their opening game of the season, head coach Mal Holt said.

The Green and Golds were impressive as they ran in seven tries at Monks Sports Club against a side making their National Conference League debut after years of regional domination.

Harry Files and Christian Taylor both scored twice while Aaron Barber had a good afternoon with the boot, kicking three conversions and a penalty.

Lewis Hoarty, Ryan Hickman and Conner Muir also scored tries while skipper Ryan Brown added another conversion late on.

Holt credited the work of the Rovers pack in laying a platform for his side and he hopes this performance was merely a taster of things to come.

“That was a great start to the season for us – a fine win against a big rugged Cumbrian side in Hensingham,” he said.

“We knew it would be a tough game. For long patches, we were in an arm wrestle with them but we kept our focus and stayed on top and in control.

“Our pack out-muscled theirs and helped to set the platform for some strong running from our backs.

“The hard work that we have done in pre-season was certainly evident and we will hopefully get even better the more games we play.”