Woolston Rovers...11

Skirlaugh...4

A fantastic team performance saw Rovers return to winning ways when they defeated a strong Skirlaugh side in a hard-fought National Conference League Premier Division game.

This was Rovers' first victory over Skirlaugh at the seventh attempt and it kept their slim title hopes alive with West Hull having suffered an unexpected defeat.

Rovers took the lead after four minutes when a delayed pass from hooker Phil Dermott sent stand off Nigel Quarmby through a gap and he drew the full back before finding scrum half Steve Martin in support to score and goal.

On 13 minutes Rovers increased their lead when Dermott went blind and his long ball found winger Mark Wallington, who squeezed over in the corner.

On the half hour Skirlaugh struck back to score the simplest of tries.

Rovers made sure of the victory in the final minute when substitute Graham Smith, returning after a 10-week absence with a broken jaw, cooly slotted over a drop goal to make the final score 11-4.

Man of the match Daniel Heaton was run closely by second row pair Jon Cole and Shaun Geritas, hooker Dermott and stand off Quarmby.

Rovers play two National Conference League home games this week.

Rovers entertain Lock Lane of Castleford on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm at Bennett's Rec.

On Tuesday they tackle Oldham St. Anne's under floodlights at Bennett's Rec, kick-off 8pm.

Rovers v Skirlaugh: Mark Cosgrove, Mark Moran, Tim Iddon, Paul Fidder, Mark Wallington, Nigel Quarmby, Steve Martin, Mark Shephard, Phil Dermott, Jon Welch, Shaun Geritas, Jon Cole, Daniel Heaton. Subs: Danny Williams, Graham Smith, Neil Smith, Drew Povey.

Rovers started the second half brighgtly without being able to add to their lead and were reduced to 12 men when centre Tim Iddon was sin-binned for dissent but even though Skirlaugh then had plenty of possession the Rovers' defence awesome.