Woolston Rovers 15 Oldham St Annes 14

RYAN Brown's outrageous drop-goal earned Woolston Rovers a thrilling victory over Oldham St Annes on Friday night.

The clash at Monks Sports Club looked to be heading for a draw until Brown's 40-metre effort seven minutes from time.

Rovers had to hold their breath right until the death as St Annes sub Kiel Lancashire attempted a last-minute penalty from inside his own half to win the game, but the kick sailed wide.

"I am very happy with that win, it was built on team spirit and character," head coach John Fieldhouse says.

"The effort from all seventeen lads was first class throughout. We just lacked a little composure at key times.

"We could have lost another close game, but thankfully Ryan Brown has come up with a wonder drop goal to win us the game and it was a brilliant feeling for us all."

Chris Twigg opened the scoring for John Fieldhouse's side when he touched down a kick from Glyn Roberts.

However, a try from Carl Fields, improved by Luke Skilling, meant Rovers trailed 6-4 at the break.

Skilling then kicked two penalties after the interval to move St Annes further clear before Billy Maunder put centre Lewis Hoarty over in the left corner for Rovers.

Clever play then followed from Harry Files, who pinched the ball one-on-one to cause pressure that led to Jack Sherratt forcing his way across the whitewash, with Roberts adding the extras.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Dominic Bryan scored for St Annes to level the scores.

That was the way it stayed until Brown's drop-goal and Rovers help on for the narrowest of victories.

Woolston: Glyn Roberts; Chris Twigg, Justin Becker, Lewis Hoarty, Craig Middlemore; Ryan Brown, Aaron Barber; Jack Sherratt, Harry Files, Ryan Hickman, Niall Toher, Dan Fearnley, Matt Clarke. Subs: Billy Maunder, Danny Griffiths, Anthony Clayton, Chris Mellor.