WEAVERHAM Rangers RLFC began their pre-season with an excellent 30-20 win away to Dewsbury side Earlsheaton Rangers.

Weaverham started well, but had to withstand a strong second-half fightback to ensure victory.

Earlsheaton were first to score with an unconverted try, but Weaverham hit back with a Dave Gray penalty.

Jason Crabtree, sidelined through injury since last October, marked his return with a try, which Gray converted to put Weaverham 8-4 ahead.

Gray followed up with an excellent try of his own, converted by Duncan Curfew to give Weaverham a healthy 14-4 cushion.

Martin Williams then stretched the lead, finishing off a set play to make it 18-4 at half-time.

A penalty from Curfew in the opening seconds of the second half made it 20-4, and when full-back Glynn Hughes crossed in the corner, the game seemed over at 24-4.

But Weaverham then endured a nightmare 20-minute spell as Earlsheaton scored three tries, converting two of them to make it 24-20.

However it was Weaverham who had the last say, Curfew's solo try securing a 10-point advantage.

Tomorrow, Thursday, Weaverham entertain North West Counties Division One side Rylands at Winnington Park, kick-off 7.15pm.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.