It was a poor day all round for our local clubs, as all met with defeats, with Roose Pioneers surrendering a 18-12 interval lead to concede 30 unanswered points in the second half against Burtonwood Bridge.

A late consolation try from Chris Larkin rounded off the scoring for the Pioneers in a 42-22 reverse at Holbeck Park in Division Three of the North West Men’s League.

It was their first match in three weeks, but the visitors came out firing on all cylinders and almost took a first-minute lead only for a pass to winger Oliver Morrisey to go into touch.

However, there was no stopping loose forward Tom Unsworth, as he touched down on seven minutes after good work from hooker Jack Fairclough, with the goal coming via Joss Wood.

A forward pass then prevented centre Ryan Farren from adding to the score board as he raced clear downfield.

Burtonwood did double their tally on 14 minutes, though, with Farren racing over for a try that did count for Wood to convert.

Pioneers were stunned, but hit back when Glen Kaighan showed a clean pair of heels to cross for a long range try that lifted their spirits and swift play from right to left then saw Larkin in at the corner and with two quick scores, the gap was down to four points.

On 28 minutes, the home side were ahead and looking good when Kaighan once more covered 40 yards before cutting inside to touchdown, Scott Low converting for 14-12.

The visitors were now on the back foot, although they did go close through Doyle, but a forward pass brought the Burtonwood winger back.

Coach Mike Backhouse was held up as the pressure from Roose mounted when home substitute Josh Tranter sent Dave Gordon crashing to the ground, forcing him to lose possession in the tackle.

Pioneers increased their lead from the resulting scrum, as Evan Jones moved left from where Jack Torkington touched down to make the score 18-12 at the break.

Eight minutes into the second half, Doyle swept in at the corner to bring the deficit down to 18-16 and this was the signal for a collapse of the home side.

Will Weir strolled over, soon to be followed by Doyle covering 80 yards after intercepting a Backhouse pass, with Wood adding the goal for the latter, 18-26.

Backhouse then pulled off a try-saving tackle on Farren, only for Craig Holcroft to find a gap to score soon after, Wood converting for 18-32.

Morrisey went in at the corner followed by Holcroft as Burtonwood pulled even further clear - Wood tagging on one goal, 18-42.

As the clock ticked down, a now-rare home attack saw Larkin in at the corner for his second of the afternoon, but this was little more than a consolation.

Pioneers remain eighth in the table, following their fourth league loss in six matches this season.