Helsby 8 Newton-le-Willows 7

HELSBY came from behind to produce a fantastic giant-killing performance against Newton-le-Willows in round three of the EDF Junior Vase.

Facing opposition from the division above them, South Lancs/Cheshire Four side Helsby progressed to round four with a resilient display.

The home side gave away an early penalty in front of the posts that the visitors ran over the line for a converted try.

Helsby were stirred into action and began creating space. When the visitors were penalised for putting hands in the ruck, Kevin Ryder slotted over the penalty to put the home side on the board.

They went into the lead when Bob Merrill played a lovely short pass to flanker Wes McKibbin which resulted in the forwards winning the ensuing ruck and a quick ball sent Phil Arkell over for the try.

In the second half, neither team could add to their scores as Helsby went through.

Helsby are back in league action tomorrow when they entertain Port Sunlight.

Helsby Juniors were at the Mold Rugby Festival on Sunday. The under 8s won three of their five matches, as did the U10s. The U12s played against some very well-drilled teams, registering two wins and two losses.

Christleton 32 Oldham 11

CHRISTLETON progressed in the Halbro Shield thanks to a great team performance.

Oldham scored first, but Christleton’s more mobile pack had the overall advantage, particularly in the scrums and line-outs where Jez Birch, Dave Taylor and man-of-the-match Chris Parkin stood out.

Dave Pugh, Andy Coates, Paul Stern, Rory Ferguson and Chris Parkin all crossed the whitewash to score as Christleton came from behind to win.

They travel to Eagle tomorrow.

Chester were without a fixture last weekend. Rob Foden’s men return to Midlands One action with a trip to Kettering tomorrow.

The club’s second team aim to climb off the bottom of the table when they host Stockport while the unbeaten third XV travel to Sefton.