WALNEY cruised into the semi-finals of the Barton Townley Cup with a 46-10 victory win over Roose Pioneers.

Though Cents were never in any danger of losing, all credit to the Redwaters side who played their part.

It was in defence where Pioneers found it hard to contain the home side who gave the ball plenty of air, while in attack Pioneers did play enterprising rugby and had several moments in Cents territory, but they could only muster two converted tries.

In a game well controlled by debutant referee and Evening Mail sports reporter Marc Bazeley, Walney were up and running after only two minutes when lively hooker Matty Elliott scooted in from 20 yards out. He also tagged on the goal.

Pioneers were on level terms within four minutes though. A sweeping Walney raid saw the final pass from James Finch go into the arms of winger Ryan Cunningham who raced 75 yards before the pursuing Brad Nichols hauled him down.

However, quick handling enabled Ade White to cross the whitewash, with Adam Batty adding the goal.

Walney restored their lead on fourteen minutes when Matty Elliott sent Adam Nicholson into space. He parted to Nicholls who had to do a piece of juggling before touching down. Elliott tagged on the extra two for 12-6.

Dec Gavin was soon to follow Nicholls over the line midway through the half.

Minutes from the break Dave Nicholson made a fine break upfield and in support to score was Liam Finch. Then on the stroke of half-time Pioneers hit back. Batty tore through the cover, making good yards before parting to Dan White who had Ade White on his shoulder and he touched down.

Three minutes into the second half Nicholson stretched the home side’s lead as he went in from close range, with Elliott adding the goal. Nicholson was soon in for number two courtesy of a Brad Nicholls pass. Elliott added the goal.

Pioneers came more into the game as they attacked the home line. Sharp, Els and Birch went close before Matty Elliott swooped on a loose ball to go in from 75 yards and added the goal.

Pioneers again came strongly, piling on the pressure which the Cents soaked up, with Els and Bower going close. James Finch went in at the corner for the home side before Mike Elliott completed the scoring.

l Former Barrow Raiders captain Liam Harrison suffered a broken leg four minutes into Barrow Island’s pre-season friendly at Fallowfield Park, Askam.