NCL Round-up: Six try Ince Rose Bridge remain unbeaten in Division One

Ince Rose Bridge march on at the top of National Conference League Division One after picking up their eighth win of the season after a strong win over hard-working Egremont Rangers.

 

There was little to choose between the sides in the opening quarter with Paul Corkhill combining with Henry Ogilivie-Brown only for good defence to deny the young Rangers second rower, while at the other end, Kian Aron thundered down the wing only to see his inside ball go forward and Ince saw a further score chalked off for double movement.

 

Eventually, the hosts' made inroads as Brodie-Lee Butler shot through a hole on the right and TJ Boyd streamed up in support and Mason Fillingham goaled to put Rose Bridge in front after 21 minutes, and that lead was extended after 26 minutes when a smart kick by Kieron Eccleston was taken by Danny Dainty who made it to the corner and set up a 10-0 advantage. Egremont kept up the fight with Kie Glen putting in an impressive stint and making lots of metres and the visitors scored a classy try just before the break when centre Seamus Hutton drifted left  and seemingly marched towards the touchline, he released at the last instant for Nathan Preston to dash in by the corner flag. It was too far out for Kristian Tyson, now in his third game following a horrific injury run that saw him miss all last season.

 

It was 10-4 to Ince Rose Bridge at the break and all to play for.

 

Bridge made a great start to the new half and stretched their advantage just three minutes in. Three quick passes left unleashed Aron and there was no denying him this time as he surged over the line and Fillingham improved the score to 16-4.

 

Egremont continued to battle but were losing territory and Ince Rose Bridge went down that side again for Butler to bludgeon his way over after 50 minutes, the second row was in great form, and proved to be a thorn in the Egremont defence again, seven minutes later, notching a quickfire double to take the score out to 24-4.

 

Finally the visitors got the field position they needed, and launched a great attack on the left that saw Tyson draw a defender before Frazer McNee arced through and into the corner after 63 minutes. There was one more score in the game, and it came thirteen minutes from the end when Byron Aspinall made the most of a quick play-the-ball to scoot over at the side of the posts and Fillingham notched his third goal as the hosts' claimed a 30-8 success.

 

The rest of the Division One results saw wins for Wigan St Judes at Crosfields, Kells with a home success over Oldham St Annes, Stanningley over Oulton Raiders and Shaw Cross Sharks, who completed a resounding success over Woolston Rovers.

 

In the Premier Division, Hunslet ARLFC won their third game on the bounce, toppling leaders West Hull. West Bowling couldn't make ground as Wath Brow Hornets picked up a thrilling win, while Rochdale Mayfield were also defeated at Lock Lane. Siddal closed in on the leading pair with a big win over Dewsbury Moor Maroons and York Acorn triumphed at Leigh Miners Rangers while Waterhead Warriors swept Thatto Heath aside.

 

East Leeds were given one of their toughest tests of the season before winning through at Barrow Island, while Dewsbury Celtic picked up an important win over Clock Face Miners. Hensingham collected a big win at Ellenborough Rangers and Pilkington Recs were successful on the road at Hull Dockers. There were surprise wins for Thornhill Trojans at Normanton Knights, and Skirlaugh who put forty points on Drighlington.

 

Division Three saw a thrilling game at Saddleworth Rangers with Keighley Albion claiming victory in the last minute and there were also successes for Distington over Beverley, Bentley at Leigh East and Myton at Milford. There was also a resounding win for Millom, who dispatched Featherstone Lions.

 

Results

 

 

 

 

 

Division Three

Distington 30-22 Beverley

Leigh East 20-32 Bentley

Milford 16-22 Myton Warriors

Millom 30-6 Featherstone Lions

Saddleworth Rangers 16-18 Keighley Albion

 

Fixtures

Sat 24th May 2025

Division One

Crosfields v Shaw Cross Sharks

 

By Dave Parkinson

Pics by Dave Parkinson