Rugby union: Helsby 20 Parkonians 35

Mar 17 2011 Chester Chronicle

Helsby 20 Parkonians 35

HELSBY played their part in the entertainment but were always playing catch-up after conceding two early tries in South Lancs/Cheshire Three.

Parks chipped the home defence straight from the kick-off.

When the ball was spilled, the hosts made a mess of defending a five-metre scrum and conceded a try.

The visitors added another touchdown from a meandering backs move. But Helsby finally got a foothold as a short ball from Bob Merrill put Mattie Lee into space and supporting No8 Jim Gray – a tireless MoM – got over.

Kev Ryder converted but instead of retaining possession, Helsby threw it away with silly passes. Parks crossed at the corner then capitalised when Helsby lost a lineout.

Ryder put over two Helsby penalties to close the gap to 22-13 but the visitors were again gifted a try after the break.

Having seen a penalty kick rebound off an upright, Helsby spirits were lifted when Parks had two men sinbinned.

But Parks broke away to score again out wide. Not for the first time, the visitors exploited the home side wasting a scoring chance by getting over again.

Helsby found consolation from Lee’s try which Ryder converted.

Capenhurst, who host Port Sunlight this Saturday, beat Buxton 25-19.

In the NW League, Christleton saw off Southport 2nds 23-3.