Hunslet Warriors 12 Woolston Rovers 12

IN a clash between National Conference League Division Three’s top-two, a patched-up Woolston Rovers side ensured they returned to Warrington with something to show for their efforts.

Despite being forced into six changes due to a combination of injuries and work commitments, Rovers held a two-score lead at the break after tries from Alex Dunne and Callum Moore – plus a Ben Dixon penalty – had cancelled out an early Nathan Clapham score for the hosts.

However, after Liam Brown’s try had narrowed the deficit, Jordan Gale’s penalty two minutes from time following Dunne’s sin-binning for an alleged stamp denied Rovers victory.

Mal Holt’s side finished the match with 11 men following an earlier yellow card for Josh Sudlow but the head coach was happy with what he saw from his side.

“That was a very hard-fought draw that keeps us in a great position,” he said.

“With injuries and work commitments, we were forced to make six changes to the team from last week but the boys who came in did great for us.

“The game was an arm wrestle throughout with neither side able to pull away.

“Our defence stood firm but to be fair to Hunslet, theirs did as well.

“The lads were gutted that they didn’t hold on for the win, but we picked up a valuable point away from home at a very good side so we will take that.”

Woolston: Charlie Phythian; Alex Dunne, Justin Becker, Callum Moore, Simon Bishop; Theo Holt, Ben Dixon; Max Ainsworth, Ryan Brown, Dan Fearnley, Danny Griffiths, Alex Smith, Harry Files. Subs: Scott Whiteley, Josh Sudlow, Kieran Sudlow, Matt Taylor