Rugby union: Knutsford 39 Helsby 3

Dec 17 2009 Chester Chronicle

Knutsford 39 Helsby 3

INJURY-HIT Helsby continue to struggle in South Lancs/Cheshire Division Three after suffering another defeat on Saturday.

Knutsford were unable to stage the match due to problems with their pitch so it was played at Helsby.

There was an early exchange of penalties with Kev Ryder slotting over Helsby’s only score of the day.

The hosts were dealt a double dose of bad luck when stand-off Bob Merrill and centre Stewart Dowling were forced off through injury in the space of 10 minutes. Helsby had only one replacement, so were forced to play the rest of the game with 14 men.

Knutsford eventually nosed in front when their scrum-half, who was lucky to get away with an accidental offside decision, put his winger in for the score.

Jim Gray, who had to move into the centre for Helsby, was causing Knutsford problems with his strong running but was lacking support.

The home side then gifted Knutsford a second try to make it 15-3 at the break.

Helsby fullback Stan Garner picked up a thigh injury and hobbled through the rest of the game as Knutsford registered a further four tries. Man of the match for Helsby, who host Capenhurst on Saturday, was Tom Gregory.

Christleton lost 85-0 at Birkenhead Park 3rds on Saturday. They are away to Ruskin Park 2nsd this Saturday.