A new-look Helsby RUFC side featuring more than half-a-dozen debutants made a positive start to the 2015-16 campaign with an impressive win 43-0 over Congleton 3rds in Division Five South.
Joe Lane was first on the scoresheet for the home side, finishing in the corner following a tap penalty close to the visitors try line with Dave Glynn spotting the gap out wide and Chris Johnson supplying the finishing pass. Liam Rowland added the extras with the boot.
Lewis Ainge soon followed with his first of the afternoon following a typical barnstorming run before Rowland further extended Helsby’s lead with a well taken penalty.
Man-of-the-match Luke Jones then sealed a fine first-half performance for the hosts with a weaving run from just inside the visitors half, his dazzling footwork leaving a trail of defenders in his wake and Rowland again converting for a 20-0 lead at the break.
Helsby continued to dominate after the restart, Ainge collecting a loose ball and going over for his second, before Jones completed his brace following a clever kick through from Danny Mullally, this time Alex Walker adding the extras.
It was Mullally himself who then brought down the curtain on the afternoon for Helsby with a show and go from deep inside the Congleton half, running in under the sticks unopposed. Rowland once again converting to finish with five kicks from six.
Helsby took many positives from the performance and with a rejuvenated squad will be hoping for better things this season, which continues with a trip to Sandbach on Saturday.
Helsby are recruiting and their junior registration day takes place on Sunday at 10.30am. The club has teams for under-7s through to vets and new players should call 07804 656558 or visit www.helsbyrugby.com for more details.
Promoted Swans hit the ground running
Division Two South club Christleton RUFC hosted Warrington 3rds in what was their first match since winning promotion at the end of last season and finished 46-14 winners.
The visitors get off to a bad start arriving with a squad of 14 with no front row meaning the game was to be played with all scrums uncontested.
A determined Christleton set the standard for the match, and hopefully the season with an early try.
Unfortunately the conversion was missed, and soon after the guests were awarded a penalty try, converting their try and taking the lead for what was to be the only time in the game.
For the rest of the match Christleton dominated the plays and possession with Warrington only able to make one more converted try whilst Christleton secured victory with six tries, converting five and adding two penalties.
