A SECOND-half fightback came just too late for Hawcoat Park, as they were defeated 35-19 by St Benedicts in Cumbria League One last Saturday afternoon.

Bennies’ first try was rather fortunate, as a kick through hit one of Park’s players and with no chance to react, the bounce was perfect for Gary Gibbons to run and score.

With the hosts’ pack on top, a sustained phase of forward pressure led to Mark Routledge forcing his way over for a converted try.

A similar try followed after 25 minutes, again involving good support play for a good team try, eventually finished off by the hard-running Andrew Dutton.

Impressive fly-half Dan Rayson booted over a 40-metre penalty before, right on half-time, Bennies scored their bonus point-earning try, as Andrew Middleton touched down near the posts to take score to 29-0 at the break.

Following another Rayson penalty, Hawcoat scored their first try when No.8 Mike Lightfoot slipped a good short pass to centre Chris Burns, who ran hard to force his way over, with captain George Smith converting.

Good work by winger Rodney Odondi and vice-captain Andy Kent up front then allowed Ashley Mowat to show good strength and force his way over for a second try back.

The momentum was retained and with 10 minutes remaining, Mowat decided to chip over the defence and regathered well to slip a great pass to replacement winger Rob Shepherd.

He in turn chipped over himself to regather his kick and touch down well in the corner, only for Rayson to scupper the comeback with one last penalty.

With several players fielded in unaccustomed positions, Hawcoat Park ‘A’ fell to a heavy 55-0 defeat away to Aspull 2nds in the North-West Intermediate League.

The first and second half was mainly played in the Maroon and Whites’ half, with Aspull having the lion’s share of possession.

The first 20 minutes was an even contest, but by half-time Aspull had managed to score four tries with two conversions, with only some resolute tackling stopping further scores.

Excessive tackling and covering took its toll, allowing Aspull to run in five more tries by the final whistle.