Clock Face Miners 19 Woolston Rovers 6

FOR the fourth season running, Woolston Rovers are left to reflect upon play-off heartache in National Conference League Division Three.

They were edged out by Clock Face in the semi-finals on Saturday, with Lewis Hoarty scoring the Monks Sports Club side’s only try.

Hopes were high after a promising end to the season, but they must now plan for another tilt at promotion next year.

However, head coach Mal Holt remained upbeat despite the immense disappointment.

“It was not the result we were hoping for, which has left all concerned disappointed that the season has come to end at this stage,” he said.

“As a coach, I couldn’t be more proud of the lads and what we have achieved this season after the start we had.

We will have a rest now and re-group in November to get us in shape to have another crack next year, with our goal being automatic promotion.”

Clock were two scores ahead as the game approached half time, with Jack Highcock’s early penalty being added to by a converted Lewis Geraghty try.

Rovers got themselves on the board just after the half-hour mark when Hoarty expertly caught and grounded a cross-field kick from Theo Holt, who added the extras.

However, Mike Morgan’s try just before the break dealt a big blow to Woolston’s hopes of mounting a second-half comeback.

There was no more scoring until the final 10 minutes, when Ian Morgan slotted a drop goal for Clock to give them a two-score lead before Morgan’s second try – converted by Highcock – ensured they progressed to the final, where they will face Millom for a place in Division Two.

Woolston: Theo Holt; Sean Millington, Dan Fearnley, Lewis Hoarty, Callum Moore; Aaron Barber, Conner Muir; Jack Sherratt, Ryan Brown, Ryan Hickman, Anthony Clayton, Josh Sudlow, Harry Files. Subs: Glyn Roberts, Adam Files, Matt Davy, John Welch.