Haydock 11 Simms Cross 12

HAYDOCK started their league programme against the undefeated champions of last season.

The defences were well on top in the first quarter with good work from P Cahalin, Hardman, Bloor and Rotherham.

The first score eventually came after 25 minutes with young Cunliffe getting a great pass out to Laughton.

He made good ground before sending a fine pass to supporting Mike Saunders, who sped 25 yards to touch down.

At this stage Haydock were running the match, with Ireland, Appleton and Speed putting in some good work. But a minute before the break and against the run of play, Dave Percival Simmies scored near the corner.

The resulting conversion was disputed with the kick seeming off target but the referee gave it to put Simmies 6-4 up at half time.

It was all Haydock in the second half and on 60 minutes strong running forward Neil Ireland burst through from 30 yards to score a good try, Cunliffe converted to put Haydock 10-6 in front.

Haydock were playing all the rugby and if the ball had bounced kindly for them on a few occasions they would have had the game sewn up.

Although Haydock put a lot of pressure on their line they just could not get over it again.

On the 75th minute Boland dropped a goal from 30 yards out to put Haydock 11-6 in front and it looked like Haydock were going to get a well deserved win.

But two minutes into injury time Simmies broke through down the wing and Keiron Kavanagh went in near the posts to score to give them an undeserved 12-11 lead.