NEW BRIGHTON had to settle for a 16-16 draw at Macclesfield in an error-strewn National Three North League clash played in very difficult conditions.

Defences general ly held the upper hand. Outstanding back-row forward Steve Bellis gained the only try for the Blues, converted by Anthony Birley who also landed a trio of penalties.

Tom Coulbeck went in for the home side and Gary Bell landed the goal and three penalties and there was never much between the sides on the day.

Chester gained revenge for their away defeat six weeks previously as they edged out West Park 16-14 in North One. Tom Foden gained their try and Murray King three penalties and a crucial conversion which went in off a post.

Birkenhead Park had no luck as they went under 8-25 against visiting Morley. Steve Ash-croft scored a try and a penalty but Morley generally held the upper hand.

Caldy stayed joint top of North Two West with a 34- 16 victor y over Rochdale.

Aspull had no joy in their game at improving Penrith as they went under 5-27.

Southport crashed 0-40 at promotion chasing Bowden in South Lancashire/Cheshire One and Wigan were on the wrong side of a 30-0 score at Leigh.

Anselmians managed a try by Roy Malkin and a Chris Wells penalty in an 8-22 reverse at North-wich.

Hoylake continued winning ways in Division Two with a 30-10 success against Dukinfield.

St Edwards had to settle for a Martin McGeough penalty as they lost 3-19 at Orrell Anvils whilst Oldershaw gained a Mike Chapman try and a Willy Gardner goal in a 7-20 defeat at Ashton on Mersey.

Ruskin Park came away 48-0 to the good from Moore and Elles-mere Port edged out Ormskirk 15-14 with Mark Potter and Ian Yates getting tries for the losers.

Dave Webb managed a consolation penalty for Prenton in a 3-12 home defeat at the hands of Sefton.

Collegiate went under 0-22 at Newton le Willows and Halton were edged out 5-8 at Congleton.

A Terry Williams try was just enough for Parkonians in a 5-3 Division Four success at Mossley Hill.

Capenhurst lost 3-35 at home to Sale Amateurs and it was disastrous for Port Sunlight at Oswestry where it finished 79-0.