rugby league

Halton Hornets 10

Weaverham Rangers 13

WEAVERHAM Rangers ended Halton Hornets' chances of winning the league with a fully deserved victory on Saturday.

Rangers got off to an awful start, conceding two early tries, and only a last-ditch tackle by Steve Lowe prevented it being even worse.

But the setback spurred Rangers on and Rob Birtles, outstanding in his third game since switching from Northwich RUFC, led the line with fellow prop Mike Pickering and second row Russell Clarke.

They began to take the game to Halton and it paid off on 20 minutes when they made ground to give skipper Mark Bebbington a drop goal which got them off the mark.

Roger Pickering then scored a superb solo try which he converted himself to cut the half-time deficit to 8-7.

Although Halton increased their lead with a penalty early in the second half, this was to be their last contribution to the scoreboard

With the clock winding down, Halton's full back failed to claim a high kick and Rangers were given one last chance from the resulting scrum.

After Mike Pickering had taken play to within inches of the line, quick ball from Bebbington gave Roger Pickering the opportunity to spin out a pass to centre Rob Jones, who finished in the corner. Pickering's conversion put the icing on the cake as they saw out the final minutes.

The celebrations have been cut short, however, as Rangers' fixture nightmare continues. They now face a possible wait of six weeks before they are able to close out their two remaining games.