Skirlaugh...18

Woolston Rovrs...14

A disappointing performance from Rovers saw their winning run in the National Conference League Premier Division end.

An inability to control the ball proved costly as they failed to complete a set of six in the first half hour which meant they were constantly on the back foot.

Skirlaugh took the lead after 12 minutes when winger Philip Thacker sped between the posts. Second row Scott Matthews got the extras.

Scrum half Steve Martin hit a penalty goal on 30 minutes but Rovers trailed 6-2 at the break.

Three minutes into the second half Skirlaugh increased their lead when a Rovers mistake close to their line was punished when scrum half Lee Newton scored a fine try. Matthews converted. To compound the situation Rovers had full back Peter Livett sin binned for disputing the try.

Rovers held out while they were down to 12 men and almost immediately after returning to the field Livett made a great break down the middle and off-loaded superbly to stand off Graham Smith who scored at the side of the posts. Martin tagged on the extras to reduce the gap to four points.

Another Rovers error on the hour gave Skirlaugh the chance to re-assert themselves and from the scrum excellent play from Newton created space for full back John McCracken to race through for a try. Matthews again added the conversion.

Rovers gained a consolation try in the final minute when hooker Drew Povey burrowed his way over from acting halfback. Martin goaled to complete the scoring but it was not enough.

Best for Rovers were prop forward Mark Shephard, second row Dave Patterson and loose forward Daniel Heaton.

Rovers: Peter Livett, Mark Cosgrove, Tim Iddon, Darren Geritas, Mark Wallington, Graham Smith, Steve Martin, Mark Shephard, Drew Povey, Lee Westwood, Kevin Airey, Dave Patterson, Daniel Heaton. Substitutes: Chris Clark, Shaun Geritas, Phil Dermott, Mark Pendleton.

On Saturday, Rovers are at home to Redhill in the National Conference League Premier Division. There is an early kick off of 1pm at Bennett's Rec, Padgate, to avoid a clash with the World Cup semi-final.