Newton-le-Willows 33, Moore 31: A LATE rally wasn't quite enough for Moore, despite Bradbury going over to provide fresh hope after a 16-point half-time lead had evaporated.
Newton had struck first in Euromanx South Lancs-Cheshire Three of the Powergen Northern Division with an unconverted try against a settling visiting defence.
But Moore's back-row forwards set about relentlessly hounding Newton's pack to gain control in centre field.
Flemming (2) and Bradbury crossed as the ball was sent to the wings.
Moore's man-of-the-match McMullen stole several scrums against the head.
And good support play from Bullough saw him also cross for a 21-5 lead which would have been greater but for Flemming dropping the ball over the line.
The second half saw Moore maintain pressure and go in once again for the first score.
Moore, assuming the win was inevitable, sat back and allowed Newton's numbers eight and 13 to put in 15 minutes spell of hard running to open up Moore's defence.
In a complete reversal of fortune, Newton crossed three times from good support play.
One of the tries stemmed from an error by Moore lock Birkett, who miskicked over his own Moore line.
With seven minutes left and the score now at 33-26 to Newton, Moore picked up their game to finish with a flourish but they couldn't add to the interception try from Bradbury.
Moore 2nd 26 Sandbach 3rd 10
IT was 20 minutes before the first score - Tompkinson crossing for Moore after a break infield by ma- of-the-match Beddard and good handling in the second phase.
It looked like staying that way at the break.
But just before half-time, P Woollacott fed N Potter who broke decisively, returning the ball to Woollacott, who was up in support for a try converted by G Potter.
Good covering by the Moore flankers and positive tackling saw the home side 12 points up after a fairly even half.
The visitors took advantage of a slow Moore start to the second half.
They won a penalty from the kick-off to get points on the board.
But a great run through the middle from sub Graham Owen set up a try for M Woollacott, again converted by G Potter.
Good harassment by Moore's loose forwards caused Sandbach to make a series of errors.
But 'talking' by the home side saw them concede a number of silly penalties, which fortunately were not converted.
From one such incident, however, Sandbach scored a converted try. So this indiscipline, which could have cost the villagers the game, needs to be quickly addressed.
Late on, N Potter went under the posts and G Potter converted to seal victory.
