North West Counties Cup First Round

Albert Park 16 Rylands 24

ALBERT Park are out of the NWC cup after losing against a side two divisions higher.

The match started well enough for the Albert who took an early lead when Stu Ward landed a penalty.

Rylands responded well and their right winger went over in the corner before another Ward penalty levelled the game.

A magnificent cover-tackle by Richie Miller kept out the Rylands stand-off as the visitors began to mount wave after wave of attacks.

But a try eventually came and the conversion gave Rylands a 10-4 lead.

Walton nearly created a try for the supporting Martin Scott but the chance was snuffed out.

A second half penalty goal stretched Rylands lead but the Albert replied when Walton spotted a gap to go over. Ward added the extras. Rylands hit back through their winger who scored his second try, the touchline conversion reopened their eight point lead.

A neat kick through by Ditchfield was hacked on by Jimmy Mellor who scored under the posts.

Ward hit his fourth goal of the afternoon and the Albert trailed 16-18 with 10 minutes remaining. With five minutes remaining a break by Ryland's prop was backed up and they went under the posts for the match-winning try and conversion. Miller, Roberts and Ditchfield all played well but the Aber Roof Truss Ltd man of the match went to Dave Murphy. Albert Park travel to Blackpool next for a division three game.