Bulls made to pay

BANK Quay Bulls have well and truly been made to pay for becoming the first team in five years to take the North West Counties Premier Division title off Halton Simms Cross last season.

At the weekend, Bulls lost to Simmies for the fourth time this season after failing to make the most of their chances.

On this occasion the holders went out of the BARLA Champion of Champions Cup at the semi-final stage against the current North West Counties Premier Division leaders.

It was against the run of play when Simms Cross, who also ended Bulls’ defence of the Lancashire Cup last October, scored a converted try after breaking from deep inside their own half in the 30th minute.

Bulls looked to have responded within minutes but Nick Braide was recalled for a forward pass.

To add to Bulls’ problems, in the final minute of the half Simms Cross again showed the pace within their back line and crossed for an unconverted try.

Within five minutes of the re-start Bulls were back in the hunt thanks to a Phil Braddish break being finished off by Lee Caldwell.

A penalty goal to Simms Cross edged the Widnes side further ahead then their fitness and pace began to tell against tiring Bank Quay.

Three converted tries in a 20-minute spell ended Bulls’ hopes.

Nick Braide and Ste Bird set up a try for Alan Clare, converted by Mike Stewart, but a fourth converted try for Simms Cross showed the difference in class.

Best for Bank Quay were Paul Cragg, Phil Braddish and Jason Garrathy.

Bulls complete their league programme with a visit to Parkside Golborne on Tuesday at 6.30pm, with Bank Quay finishing third whatever the result.