Woolston Rovers 24

Lock Lane 20

A NIGEL Quarmby hat-trick rescued a lacklustre display by Woolston Rovers Rugby League side on Saturday.

Good wins against Leigh and Egremont seemed to leave Rovers over confident against a Lock Lane side capable of putting together some fine passing movements at times.

Coach Dave Elliott was less than impressed despite his side moving to within two points of the top of the National Conference League.

He said: "I was very disappointed with our attitude and commitment. We're lucky to have Quarmby because he's got a special talent that can get you out of situations."

Woolston started well when Graham Smith put James Brabin in at the corner after four minutes - but the lead did not last for long.

Lock Lane's half back pairing of Mark Spears and Richard Punchard combined well for the scrum half to barge over after eight minutes. Scott Hepworth goaled.

Quarmby scored after 27 minutes when he picked up a loose ball and caught the visitors' defence napping.

Andy Green was sin-binned for holding down two minutes later and Lock Lane capitalised when winger Jason Walsh raced over. Hepworth also converted.

Quarmby put Rovers back in front three minutes after the break when he took Green's pass to burst through two tackles on his way to the line. Mark Wallington goaled.

The next try started with Quarmby as the stand off's long pass fed Wallington to put winger Dave Lomax in at the corner.

Spears knocked on to waste a simple chance for Lock Lane before making amends by setting up Skelton after 73 minutes.

Quarmby calmed the Woolston nerves three minutes later when Liam Horrigan's pass put him through to score. Wallington kicked the extras.

There was still time for Andy Goodenough to score a consolation try for Lock Lane and a fight to break out between Eddie Harris and Steve Greatbatch, who were both sin-binned.

Tomorrow, Saturday, Rovers travel to Thornhill. The coach leaves Bennett's Rec at 11.30am.

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