Amateur RL: Halton Simms Cross end Ryland’s Sharks 100% run to stay unbeaten in Kukri Sports North West Counties League Premier Division

Nov 26 2009 Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

Halton Simms Cross 22 Rylands 8

SIMMIES gained a psychological edge over next month’s Lancashire Cup final opponents in victory but achieved much more.

They ended leaders Rylands 100% record in Kukri Sports North West Counties Premier Division and extended their own unblemished run for the season to five matches.

Simmies, who now lie just two points behind the Warrington side in third with two games in hand, outscored their rivals by five tries to two.

Overcoming dreadful conditions, the hosts opened strongly. Craig Millington powered over for a good try out wide although this was overshadowed by a 40-yard Ste McDermott ‘special’ for which he outpaced the entire visiting team after a quick tap penalty.

Just before the break, Rylands scored from acting half to cut the gap to 8-4. They then equalised with Johnson plunging over – Simmies having spilled the ball over their own try line.

Simmies buckled down, however with Euan Brown, McDermott, Ben Bailey and Craig Duggan all excelling.

But the try which restored their lead was fortunate – David Haunch seizing on a loose kick bobbling awkwardly for the away defence.

Simmies’ next two tries were out of the top drawer.

For the first of these, six players handled at speed and Kris Kavanagh passed inside for McDermott to race over by the posts.

The conversion was easy for Ryan Millington and Owain Brown surged over from a short pass by Ryan Millington.

The Offafix/TKL Timber Reclaim man-of-the-match award went to Ste McDermott.

Ryan Millington was runner-up in the voting and Owain Brown third.

This Saturday, Simmies entertain Widnes Moorfield in the league at Dundalk Road.

The A side travel to Blackpool with both these games kicking off at 2pm.

All players should meet for 11.30am.

The Lancashire Cup final between Halton Simms Cross and Rylands has been arranged for Sunday, December 27 at Astley & Tyldesley RUFC.