Birchfield 8, Garstang 0: BIRCHFIELD deservedly came out on top in this clash of the North Lancashire Two high fliers.
Garstang had certainly done their homework and decided to spoil and restrict the Widnes side's creative players.
Straight from the kick-off, Birchfield made their intentions clear with big hits from Dave Doran and Stuart Atkin rattling Garstang.
After just nine minutes, the sides were hit by a sin-binning apiece.
The first 25 minutes were a midfield battle and the only attempt to put points on the board was a long-range penalty by Birchfield.
In the 36th minute, a Garstang lineout 10 metres from their own line saw second-row Mark Bebbington steal and drive forward.
He was stopped just short but, supported by his forwards, slipped the ball for Ste Bebbington to go over.
With a 5-0 interval lead, Birchfield dominated for long spells of the second half without breaking Garstang's defensive line.
Both sides missed penalty opportunities but Birchfield eventually added through another such effort from Ian Bebbington.
Sean Lowe, John Whitty and Dave Pritchard were introduced by the home side.
Garstang rallied in the last 10 minutes but Birchfield held firm. nSaturday's game is at home to Ashton.
