Woolston...32

Hensingham...11

ROVERS gained an excellent victory over Cumbrian giants Hensingham in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup second round at Wilderspool on Saturday to set up a third round meeting with Northern Ford Premiership side Chorley Lynx.

The game was switched to Wilderspool due to the unfit state of Rovers' own pitch and a crowd approaching 1,500 turned up to see a thrilling tie in which both sides produced some wonderful rugby.

Rovers left the field at the end of the game to a standing ovation.

Woolston did not have things all their own way early on.

After winger Mark Cosgrove scorched in at the corner Hensingham hit back with tries by stand off Glynn Hyslop and second row Stuart Eager.

Hensingham continued to dominate and popped over a drop goal for a seven-point cushion.

Five minutes before the break a towering 'bomb' from scrum half Steve Martin bounced awkwardly and stand off Graham Smith took advantage to go over for a try. Martin goaled.

On the stroke of half-time Martin ran the ball on the last tackle and found winger Paul Fiddler who scored. Martin goaled to give Rovers a flattering 16-11 interval lead.

Rovers came out in the second half in buoyant mood.

They increased their lead when loose forward Daniel Heaton forced his way over.

Rovers made the game safe when substitute Graham Muckalt crossed. Nigel Quarmby's try and Martin's conversion completed the scoring.

For Rovers Muckalt, second row Shaun Geritas and centre Darren Geritas had impressive games.

Rovers: Nigel Quarmby, Mark Cosgrove, Tim Iddon, Darren Geritas, Paul Fiddler, Graham Smith, Steve Martin, Mark Shephard, Drew Povey, Lee Westwood, Shaun Geritas, Dave Patterson, Daniel Heaton. Substitutes: Peter Livett, Stewart Cash, Phil Dermott, Graham Muckalt.

On Saturday, Rovers travel to West Hull for a top of the table clash in the National Conference League Premier Division. The game takes place at The Boulevard, home of Hull Sharks.

The coach leaves the club at 10am for any supporters wishing to travel.