NEW BRIGHTON scored the only try of the game, but were disappointingly beaten 15-7 at home to unbeaten National Three North leaders Halifax.
Anthony Birley added the goal to Damian Penisini's touchdown, but amazingly the league's top scorer never got a single penalty chance in a defence-dominated affair.
It was different for Halifax, with Doug Sanft kicking five out of six goals to punish the Blues' errors. The Wirral outfit now trail Halifax by six points.
Chester were too strong for Aspatria in North One, winning 54-12.
Neil Parsley led the way with three tries. Richard Hughes touched down twice and Ben Foden, Jim Lyle and Gerrant Parry once each. Murray King hit five conversions and Tom Foden another two.
Injury-hit Birkenhead Parkpaid for poor tackling against West Park as they lost 46-24. Steve Clarke (2), Martin Sutton and Stuart Crampton went in for Birkenhead and Steve Ashcroft goaled twice.
Caldy were given a fright at Penrith but eventually won 9-7 thanks to three second-half penalties by Marcus Coast.
It took a controversial last-minute penalty to maintain Caldy's two-point lead at the top of North Two West. The touch judges disagreed but the referee gave the vital award.
Aspull were on the wrong side of an 46-18 score at Altrincham Kersal.
Wirral kept in touch near the top of South Lancashire/Cheshire One with a 20-14 win over Wigan. Alistair Baker crossed twice and Ian White once with Jim Yarranton managing a conversion and a penalty.
Ian Arnold went in for Wigan and Danny Barker hit a trio of penalties.
Anselmians were edged out 18-17 by Wilmslow. Simon Kearney gained two tries and Neil Williams a third.
Leigh accounted for Southport 17-14 and Warrington came away 30-13 to the good from Birchfield.
Hoylake stayed clear at the top of Division Two with a 30-7 win over St Edwards. Stephen Young (2), Phil James, James Morris and Dan Miller crossed for the winners and Jude Garvey went in for the Saints.
Ormskirkfinished 23-14 winners at Moore. Kieran Mahood and Adrian Molyneux breached the home defence with Martin Emmett kicking the rest of the points.
Tries from Mike Chapman and Steve Wilson could not save Oldershawfrom a 23-10 defeat at Ruskin Park. Ellesmere Port were edged out 16-15 by Crewe and Nantwich whilst Orrell Anvilsfell 25-13 against Ashton on Mersey.
Wallasey took the Division Three derby against Prenton 17-5. Dave Maddocks (2) and Dave Lloyd touched down for the winners and Dave Webb crossed for Prenton.
Halton finished 19-10 to the good at Runcorn and Collegiate saw off Marple 21-13.
Port Sunlightfell 17-15 at Holmes Chapel in a re-arranged Division Four match and conceded their Thwaites Cheshire Plate quarter final at Parkonians.
Anselmians yesterday called off their Thwaites Cheshire Cup quarter-final at home to Chester, who go through.
