West Bank 16

Folly Lane 22

THE first 20 minutes proved crucial as the visitors went into a 12-0 lead with tries from winger, Bumby and second-row Horrocks and two goals from hooker Gillibrand.

The Bank came back well in the second-half and after a good run from hooker Steven King, centre, Ian Connor showed his strength to score wide out, prop Danny Hale converted.

Folly added a penalty goal from Gillibrand soon after but forwards Gareth Hughes, Peter Ratcliffe and Simon Prendergast kept up the pressure.

Stand-off Rob Corish had a superb game and scored the try of the match after a good passing movement involving Ian Connor, Dave Myler, Neil Fox and Ray Attwood. Folly substitute Wood scored Folly's last but vital try with 15 minutes left.

Rob Corish again made inroads into the Folly line and after Gareth Hughes had gone closer hooker, Steven King, narrowed the gap with a try converted by Danny Hale.

The Folly defence stood firm for the final 10 minutes denying the Bank their first premier victory.

Rylands 41

West Bank 8

THE Bank second team travelled to face undefeated Rylands with only 13 players, eight of whom were under 19.

Four of the youngsters were forced into their first experience in the forwards and led by the experienced players, Dave Beswick, Rob McKeever and Gareth New, the youngsters showed tremendous courage.

Rylands took an early lead with a drop-goal but after good runs from Paul Charlesworth and Paul Fenny, hooker Anthony Burgess went close. Centres David Murphy and Richard Miller made try-saving tackles as Rylands struggled to gain control. Two defensive errors saw Rylands add tries and take a 15-0 half-time lead.

Bank continued to give their all and after Jones and McGrath had made good ground a long pass from stand-off Beswick put full-back Mark Higgins over in the corner.

Hooker Anthony Burgess was outstanding in defence and attack and after he won a scrum against the head, Dave Beswick weaved his way over for a good try. Rylands secured victory with 20 points in the final 15 minutes of the game.

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