Leigh Miners Rangers 14

Woolston Rovers 14

ROVERS started like an express train by taking a 14-0 lead in this National Conference League Premier Division battle.

After letting their advantage slip Rovers then went through the agony of watching a late Neil Kelly drop goal attempt bounce wide off a post.

Rovers took the lead in the fifth minute when a long ball from stand off Graham Smith created a gap for full back Steve Martin to score. Martin goaled.

Seven minutes later loose forward Nigel Quarmby made a great break before finding centre Tim Iddon in support who raced over. Martin converted.

A drop goal from scrum half Neil Kelly, followed by a similar effort from Smith, stretched the lead to 14 points after a vintage opening quarter.

On the stroke of half-time the home side gave themselves a glimmer of hope when winger Matt Irwin scrambled over in the corner.

It was 26 minutes into the second half before the next points came.

Miners centre John Maxwell forced his way over to reduce his side's deficit to six points.

Five minutes later Miners stand off Mick Warburton picked up a loose ball and fed substitute Winston Sarsfield who evaded the Woolston defence to score. Sarsfield's goal levelled it.

Man of the match was Quarmby, well supported by Mark Shephard, Adam Jude and Paul Foster.

Rovers: S. Martin, M. Carter, T. Iddon, K. Taylor, M. Wallington, G. Smith, N. Kelly, M. Shephard, L. Horrigan, P. Foster, A. Jude, E. Harris, N. Quarmby. Subs: J. Bell, D. Hudd, N. Hyde, M. Briggs.

Tomorrow, Saturday, Rovers are at home to Shaw Cross Sharks in the BNFL National Cup third round. Kick off is 2pm.

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