Askam 16 Millom 10

HOLDERS Askam held out despite a late rally from the Woollybacks to move into the Barton Townley Cup final.

Askam were cruising at 16-0 up, until the Millomites came back strongly in the closing minutes to make it 16-10.

Millom were first to raid when Jonathan Hodgson sent Dom O'Brien through a gap, but on hand with a text-book tackle was Kris Tyson.

On 20 minutes swift play along the line involving Mike Wilson and Adam Jackson enabled Jordan Jones to slide over out wide.

Millom did apply the pressure but a stab over the line from Noah Robinson went dead.

Askam increased their lead late in the half with a fine try.

Tyson released Tom Wilkinson who took play deep before parting to Zac Steel who returned the ball into the hands of Wilkinson and he crossed the line. Tyson added the goal to make it 10-0 at the break.

Both sides worked hard in the second period, with Millom going close through Lee Postlethwaite but he lost the ball near the line.

A sweeping attack saw Nial Harris cross for Millom but a forward pass was ruled.

On the hour mark Askam increased their lead. Wilson slipped a neat ball to Tyson who raced in from fifty yards and also tagged on the goal for 16-0.

Millom, not to be outdone, hit back with Connor Mitchell sliding over in the corner . It was soon 16-10 as the Woollybacks kept the ball alive for Charlie Emslie to crash over. Postlethwaite added the goal. This lifted the Woollybacks but time ran out on them.