Blackbrook A 20

A LAST-minute try by Ant Halsall gave promotion-chasing Brook a hard-fought derby win over their near neighbours in this NW Counties League Division Four clash at Parr Stocks.

The sides are separated by almost the full length of the table but there was little to choose between them in this game and the result was more than a little harsh on the battling home side.

Brook had the better of the first half and led 16-4 at the break with tries by Chris Springford (2) and Ian Buckley, plus two Springford goals, to a try by Simon Dingsdale for Lions.

Lions, though, roared back after the interval with Jimmy Dyson and Dingsdale crossing for tries and David Ball and David Harmon kicking goals to tie the scores.

In the worsening conditions both sides strived for the clinching score but a draw looked the most likely and fairest outcome until Halsall's late touchdown.

Stand-off Paul Martin was adjudged the Birkett Motors man-of-the-match for Lions, with experienced utility player Ian Williams taking the Santime Quarries award for Brook.