THE home side pulled out all the stops to register only a second defeat of the season on their North Lancs One visitors.

Birchfield's pugnacious attitude in the pack overcame Tarleton's strength and guile.

Tarleton were left frustrated from the start and Birchfield took the lead with two Ben Royle penalties in quick succession towards the end of the first quarter.

Six minutes from half-time, Dean Hanley broke through Tarleton's defensive ranks to go over.

But four minutes into stoppage time, Tarleton forced their way over the line from a rolling maul with second-rower Danny

Ambler being credited. This cut Birchfield's lead to 13-5 but upon the resumption, Tarleton were pinned in their 22.

From a penalty, Birchfield's forwards forced their way towards the opposition line for No 8 and Polarware man-of-the-match Dave Doran to score with Ben Royle adding his second conversion.

Birchfield stayed on top and increased their tally through full back Royle's self-converted try.

Tarleton reduced their arrears in the dying minutes through centre Mark Worrall, Andy Maher improving the try.

Christleton 7 Birchfield 2nd 26: Gary Whitfield scored a hat-trick of tries for the victorious visitors with Ste McNicholas adding the other. John Etherington kicked the extras.