Island struggle to get a firm grip

YSutherland

Last updated 00:00, Wednesday, 19 December 2007

NORTH WEST COUNTIES

BARROW Island produced another gutsy performance in this North West Counties Premier League clash, but too many errors again contributed to their downfall.

Rylands scored an early soft try, winger Craig Rigby taking scrumhalf Peter Leonard’s kick to the corner unopposed before going over.

The latter goaled for a 6-0 lead to the home side.

Good runs from Sam Jones and Craig McKinnon got the Island going forward, with Paul Haythorn breaking through the home defensive line on 15 minutes.

He rounded full-back Carl Lloyd before touching down to cut the gap to 6-4.

More enterprising play from the Island saw Glen Kaighan, Jason Keane and Chris Reid held up short, but on the half-hour mark they went further behind when stand-off Chris Forster charged down a last tackle upfield kick.

He regathered and went over, Peter Leonard goaling for 12-4.

Again the Island responded, Aaron Low making the break before putting Glen Kaighan away, the wingman hugging the touchline before touching down under the posts.

Craig McKinnon added the extras, 12-10.

With half-time imminent, loose-forward Jono Smith forced his way over for Rylands for a 16-10 lead at the break.

The Island continued to give as good as they got, Sam Jones, Darren McLean and David Cairns making inroads into the hosts’ half.

But the final pass wasn’t there and chances went begging.

Midway through the half, Smith got his second touchdown, quickly followed by Carl Lloyd (twice) and centre Neil Evans.

Peter Leonard goaled three of the tries for 38-10 at full-time.

Jono Smith and Sam Jones were the respective teams’ men-of-the-match.