Halton Simms Cross 10 Blackbrook 13

Sep 6 2007 Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News

THE phrase shock defeat was something of an under-statement although Black-brook finished runners-up to Simmies in last season's North West Counties Premier Division title race.

For the Widnes side, this was a first league defeat on their own patch since 2002.

Simmies scored first when Neil Percival sent out a pass for his brother David to stroll through the gap and race 60 yards for a great try.

Paul Roberts converted and, just before half-time, Black-brook scored a try when Holland kicked over a stunned Simmies defence and regathered to go under the posts. Cunningham's two-pointer sent the teams in level at 6-6. Simmies, with six of the team which won last season's National Cup missing,

were struggling to keep Black-brook out but fine defence kept their line intact.

The hosts took the lead when Paul Roberts sent Brian Capewell racing over in fine fashion wide out.

But Blackbrook acted quickly to exploit poor marking at a play-the-ball with Rawsthorne scampering over.

The St Helens outfit took the lead when Hull dropped a goal and Cunningham kicked a penalty to send them three points ahead.

Simmies tried hard to pull it back and Capewell went close. Right on time, Carmichael was over only to be called back for a forward pass.

Best for Simmies were David Percival, Carl Hunt and Roberts.

This Saturday, Simmies' first team are at Pilkington while the A side entertain St Marie's A. All players should meet at 12.30pm.