West Bank 4

Haydock 38

THE BANK'S Premier Division woes continued in a comprehensive defeat against a strong Haydock side.

As in recent weeks a late points burst gave the visitors a flattering winning margin as the Bank's lack of confidence and fitness was evident.

Youngsters Mark Higgins, Paul Fenney, Paul Cunningham, Gareth Hughes and David Murphy got a taste of Premiership rugby and the experience at this level should aid their development.

The Bank forwards matched their opponents for most of the game with Danny Hale, Charlie Jones and Steven King particularly impressive.

There were too many mistakes in the Bank's game which are punished at this level.

The Bank cover was caught out after only 10 minutes when a long pass sent centre Carl Ford over.

Stand-off Paul Ireland converted and increased the lead with two penalty goals.

The Bank almost got on the score sheet when Ian Connor and winger Tony Fillingham went close.

A try eventually came after stand-off Rob Corish was halted close to the line after a run from his own half.

Two tackles later captain Simon Prendergast forced his way through three defenders for the Bank's only try.

The Bank kept up the pressure but were punished for some poor defending just before half-time when Haydock loose-forward Wayne Bloor picked up a dropped ball at a scrum 10 yards from his own line to race the length of the field to score.

Paul Ireland's conversion left Haydock 16-4 up at half-time.

Haydock increased their lead with tries from substitute Carl Pearson and Paul Ireland, both converted by prop Kevin O'Garra.

The Bank's injury problems continued when they lost second-row Chris Nuttie with a gashed shin that required over 20 stitches to repair.

Ian Connor and Tony Fillingham continued to impress for the Bank but in the final minutes Haydock always looked more likely to score.

Tries from Wayne Bloor and substitute Scott Hughes completed the scoring.

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