Woolston Rovers22

WOOLSTON Rovers got their season off to a flying start against bogy side Saddleworth Rangers in the National Conference League Premier Division.

Full back Peter Livett had an eventful game in scoring a try, being sin-binned and collecting the man of the match award.

Debut stand off Luke Taylor touched down scrum half Steve Martin's high kick.

After Saddleworth levelled the scores Rovers responded when hooker Drew Povey went over from acting half back. Martin converted.

Saddleworth hooker Chris McAndrew touched down but Taylor and Martin combined to find Livett linking up to score. Martin's goal gave Rovers a 16-8 half-time advantage.

The home side narrowed the gap before the try of the match. Slick passing involving eight players saw substitute Phil Dermott cap his debut with a try. Martin goaled.

Saddleworth centre Frazer and Rovers' Livett were sin-binned after an altercation but in the latter stages the superior fitness of Rovers' players ensured there was no way through.

Rovers v Saddleworth: Peter Livett; Danny Williams, Tim Iddon, Mark Roughneen, Mark Cosgrove; Luke Taylor, Steve Martin; Graham Muckalt, Drew Povey, Paul Foster, Jon Cole, Dave Patterson, Daniel Heaton. Subs: Graham Smith, Neil Smith, Phil Dermott, Neil Hyde.

On Saturday, Rovers meet newly promoted Ideal Isberg from Hull for the first time in history in the National Conference. Kick-off is 2.30pm at Bennett's Rec, Padgate.