Eccleston Lions 18 Blackbrook 22

A DISAPPOINTIING start to the season for the Lions saw the home side score four tries to three but still lose the game.

The first try from Brook's Chris Canning was equalled by Martin Liptrot converted by David Ball saw the Lions take the lead.

Simon Speed then crossed for the Lions under the post but Ball failed with the extras.

Brook replied with a breakaway try from Mark Dickinson, goaled by Mark Gibson to level the scores at 10-10 at half time.

Brook's Mark Gibson was in good form with his kicking with a penalty kick to go 10-12 up.

A second try from Canning converted by Gibson plus a second penalty from Gibson saw Brook extend their lead to 20-10.

Johnstone and Griffiths crossed the line for the Lions but Brook's Gibson kicked one more penalty to take the score to 22-18.

The Birkett Motors man of the match was Graham Grimshaw with the player's player award going to Ian Penketh. Blackbrook's Santime man of the match was Mark Gibson.