Helsby 1st XV 36

Congleton 3

HELSBY shocked their opponents from two divisions above with a performance of high quality.

The home side took a while to get going after falling behind to an early penalty before they opened up their account.

With some superb ball handling in the backs a try was always on the cards, and John Williams made a superb break before passing out to winger, Andy Rowlinson, who raced in at the corner.

Within minutes Helsby went in front again following another classy move between the backs full-back, Phil Gibson, went over for a try, converted by Phil Catterall. Half-time 12-3.

Again Congleton started stronger after the break but, following a line-out, Mark Davies took the ball out, fed Gordon Lilley who passed to John Williams to crash over under the posts, converted by Phil Catterall.

Helsby were running away with it at this point and Rowlinson grabbed two more tries before centre, Gordon Lilley completed the rout, again Phil Catterall converting to seal a very satisfactory performance.

Burtonwood 0

Helsby 2nd 12

THE Second's won a very close fought match played in difficult conditions thanks to second-half tries by Matt Ryder and Stuart Cryer, converted by Mark Ellams.

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