17 Apr 2023

NCL Round-up: Milford claim first win of the season

It has been a long time in coming, but Milford finally have a win to their name in 2023.

After being relegated from Division One, the club’s first team is in a state of transition, with several younger players coming through. Although with two narrow defeats in their last couple of games, there are signs that things may finally be improving, with more evidence shown in a six-try performance.

They came up against a team in a similar position, East Leeds, promoted from Division Three last term amid a blaze of glory, have struggled so far this season. There was desperation from both from the outset.

The performance of halfbacks Zak Snelgrove, who scored a try and was voted player of the match by the East Leeds team, and Sam Best, who claimed 18 points proved key as Milford built on a 12-0 interval lead to eventually take the game 34-0.

Best opened the scoring with a try in the tenth minute and converted for a 6-0 lead, and Milford continued this positive opening when Joe Tharme found his way to the line four minutes later and Best landed his second conversion.

There was plenty of commitment on show from both sides, with hooker Casey Canterbury never far from the action for East Leeds, whose defence then held Milford at bay for the remainder of the first half.

After the break there was again spirited resistance from the visitors but Milford gradually got on top, with their third try on 46 minutes tipping the tie in favour of the hosts. That went the way of number nine Jake Payne, and Best added the goal.

Three tries in a ten-minute purple patch from the hour decided the contest. Snelgrove started it all with Best landing his furth goal before centre Rhys Greenall got in on the act and Best was able to grab his second try ten minutes from time, also adding his fifth goal to bring the close on a good afternoon for Milford.

The hosts moved up to eleventh with East Leeds dropping to the foot of the table.

Elsewhere in Division Two a last-minute try from James Samme, goaled by Aiden Ineson, secured an exciting 18-16 win over Woolston Rovers for Dewsbury Moor, in turn moving them up to second at Rovers' expense. Dewsbury Celtic claimed a narrow win at Saddleworth, there was a notable win for Myton Warriors over a short handed Barrow Island and Normanton Knights were back amongst the points in a high-scoring win over Wigan St Judes.

The surprise result of the Premier Division this weekend saw Leigh Miners Rangers travel over to West Hull who despite two tries from Ben Arbon found themselves on the end of a two-point defeat, thanks in the main to the goal-kicking of Rob Drake.

Wath Brow claimed a hard-fought 15-2 win at Siddal, while Rochdale Mayfield dispatched Kells 40-12 at home. Lock Lane returned to winning ways against York Acorn while Hunslet ARLFC kept up their free-scoring form with a 66-0 success over Wigan St Pats and Thatto Heath Crusaders inflicted a third defeat of the campaign on Hull Dockers.

Division One served up its usual slice of action as leaders West Bowling fought hard in Cumbria to claim a 34-14 success at Egremont Rangers. Stanningley also enjoyed a profitable afternoon, topping fifty points at Thornhill Trojans. Clock Face did likewise in a comfortable home win against Featherstone Lions, while Heworth, Skirlaugh and Oulton Raiders all had closer run results against Crosfields, Ince Rose Bridge and Pilkington Recs respectively.

Eastmoor Dragons claimed a notable 30-24 win over Leigh East in Division Three while Beverley enjoyed a mammoth 80-6 victory over Seaton Rangers. The game of the round was billed as Oldham St Annes and Ellenborough Rangers and it was a long journey home for the visitors after St Annes 44-18 success. Bentley enjoyed victory over Hensingham while Millom’s fast start proved the undoing of hosts Drighlington.

Results

Premier Division