High-flying Barrow Island cruise to derby win

Ulverston were always second best, although they came close to taking the lead in the second minute when former Island player Spencer Hoyland was held inches short of the line.

They never really looked like scoring until they notched a consolation try in the 73rd minute as Island controlled a game in which Joe Spencely shone, along with Sam Jones and Luke Cresswell.

The home side took the game to the Island and a sweeping attack resulted in Hoyland being hauled down inches from the line.

However, instead of this giving them a boost, the home side went into their shell and found it difficult to contain a much slicker and faster Island outfit.

Ulverston never helped their own cause in those opening minutes, giving away several needless penalties which found them on the back foot.

Spencely went close following a strong run which resulted in Richard Chatfield being held up. And when Cresswell threatened, a fine tackle from Mark Storey forced him to lose possession.

When a dangerous kick through from Connor Saunders was well fielded by Cresswell another needless penalty for a high tackle put Island on attack. They pressed the home line through Irvine, Chatfield and Spencely, only for the second rower’s pass inside going to ground.

The raids continued with Chatfield sending Sam Jones into space. Irvine and Marwood continued the good work which resulted in Scott Hadwin losing the ball five yards out.

Ulverston’s scrambling defence held out until the 22nd minute when – out of the blue – Sam Attard prised open a gap to pull clear and go in from 60 yards. Cresswell added the goal. And it was Cresswell who came to the rescue minutes later when, after a forceful run by Jake Spedding, the ball was moved to Connor Saunders who fed Joel Smith.

He put in a neat chip through the cover, and Cresswell was alert, gathering before making good ground upfield.

The in-form Cresswell was next to touch down following a great 50-yard raid through Andy Cairns, Nelson and Jones – the extra two coming from Cresswell’s boot.

A third try was denied on the half hour. Cairns went close prior to Clegg making a fine touchline run but his inside pass went into the arms of Connor Saunders.

But the Island were not to be denied as Spencely pulled out of a tackle to score, with Cresswell adding the goal.

Ulverston were finding the going tough despite the efforts of Liam Saunders and the kicking game of Connor Saunders. When called upon Island’s defence ensured Smith and Scott Houston were kept at bay along with Jake Spedding.

Ulverston were first on attack in the second half when Spedding released Jamie Sandham but a crash tackle from Jones ended his progress.

And when Jack Sutherland tore downfield Marc Dixon impeded a support player which resulted in Cresswell extending the lead to 20-0 with a penalty goal.

Good covering from the home side prevented Aiden White crossing but couldn’t halt Jones going in from a play the ball, Cresswell tagging on the touchline conversion.

Cresswell then added a further touchline goal after Chatfield buried his way over out wide.

Ulverston worked to put points on board but good defensive work pushed Andy Allen into touch while a counter-attack saw Sutherland and Spencely take play deep, from where Cresswell went in at the corner. He landed his third touchline goal for a personal tally of 22 points for the full-back.

Ulverston finally got on the scoresheet seven minutes from time when O’Connor forced his way over for Saunders to close the scoring.

Walney made it three from three with a 26-12 victory over old rivals Maryport at Central Drive.

Cents went ahead with a Matt Elliott try converted by Mike Elliott, prior to Scott Akehurst touching down for the Port, converted by Richard Holt.

Brad Nicholls edged the home side back into the lead with Mike Elliott adding the goal. Jamie Morrow went in for try number three goaled by Elliott.

Jordan Staffieri touched down with Elliott tagging on the goal, prior to Akehurst claiming a second try goaled by Holt for 24-12. Elliott then rounded off the scoring with a penalty goal.

Roose Pioneers failed in their bid to register their first win of the campaign losing 36-28 at Wath Brow A after trailing 24-0 at one point.

Roose hit back in style but the deficit proved to be too great. Tries came from Donald Stewart, Joe Mallinson, George Smith and Adam Batty, 2, with Smith adding four goals.

Distington remain in pole position following their 42-10 home win over Glasson Rangers while Seaton were 28-10 winners at Hensingham.

In the North West Men’s League Hindpool failed to raise enough players for their scheduled trip to Heysham.

In the National Conference Division Two Askam got back to winning ways with a 22-16 win over Bradford Dudley Hill. The Millom game at Myton Warriors was postponed.

In the Barrow And District League Walney were defeated 20-18 by Ulverston at Central Drive. Tries for Cents came from Declan Gavin, Jon Corkill, Luke Harrison and Nick Hornby, with one goal from Dave Nicholson.

For Ulverston tries came via Liam Winkfield, Kieron Dixon and Johny Hutton, with Winkfield adding four goals.