Ashton Bears 22 Bank Quay Bulls 25

A DEPLETED Bank Quay Bulls came from behind to beat Ashton Bears in the North West Counties Premier Division.

Missing several players, Bulls made a perfect start as Darren Cragg sold a dummy to the Ashton defence to send in Nick Braide for a second minute try, which Anthony Braide converted.

The home side, looking to avoid relegation and sensing the chance to take on the Bulls, levelled after five minutes.

That try fired up the home side and they had Bank Quay on the back foot, although the defence scrambled well with Jamie Peasnell in the thick of the tackling.

On the half-hour mark a rare Bulls attack saw Neil Smith create the space for Ste Caley to break down the wing before cutting inside.

From the play-the-ball, fast hands found Phil Braddish who crashed over beneath the posts. Anthony Braide added the extra points.

Bears hit back with an unconverted try shortly before half time to leave the Bulls 12-10 ahead at the break.

Ashton took the game to the Bulls from the restart and, benefitting from a string of penalties, took a 10-point lead through two converted tries.

Handling errors hampered Bank Quay as they pressed to get back into the game and it was into the final quarter before a John Braddish pass found Phil Braddish and he strolled in for his second try, Anthony Braide converting.

A try-saving tackle from Ste Caley kept Bulls in the game and they went ahead when Anthony Braide picked out Lee Caldwell for the try and then added the conversion.

A last minute Phil Braddish drop goal sealed victory.

On Saturday Bulls travel to Halton Simms Cross as they continue the quest to defend their Champions of Champions Trophy. The semi final game kicks off at 2.30pm.