Burtonwood Bridge 34 Culcheth Eagles 18

IN a Warrington ‘derby’ at Fir Tree Lane, it was Burtonwood Bridge who took the bragging rights as they started their North West Men’s League Division Three season in the best possible way.

Oliver Morrissey gave Bridge an early lead but the Eagles hit back through tries from Adam Rainford and Sam Purslow – both converted by James Wilde – to take a 12-6 lead.

However, this only served to wake the hosts up and after Ryan Farnan’s try had levelled the scores at the break, James Innes’ double gave them a lead they would not relinquish.

Jos Woods stretched the Black and Greens’ lead and although Colin Mitchison pulled a try back for Culcheth, it proved in vain as Craig Stanton added the final score to secure the win for the home side.

Culcheth are not in action this weekend while Bridge face another ‘derby’ as they travel to Crosfields A on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.