Ince Rose Bridge are 'flying' after ruthless BARLA National Cup display says Jamie Malone

Ince Rose Bridge full-back Jamie Malone says his side are finally showing their true level after an 84-12 win and dominant performance that he believes “carried it on from last week” and marked a real shift in confidence inside the group.

Malone, one of the more experienced figures in a young IRB squad, said the win over Blackbrook was built on tempo, control and a deliberate plan to drain the opposition early.

“It was a good display. We’ve carried it on from last week. We knew what we could do. Warm weather, tired their middle out - it just rolled from there.”

Malone didn’t hide how decisive that early burst was.

“By the time 20 minutes had gone, I think we were four or five tries up. They were gone after that, mate. We just outplayed them and kept playing simple.”

That “purple spell", as he called it, was everything IRB talk about in training finally landing on the field.

“Everything we talked about was just going through. It was enjoyable — and that’s what we know we can do.”

Now one of the senior voices in the side, Malone says the younger players are bringing energy and hunger — and he’s happy to guide them.

“It’s good. That’s what we need — keep them here. It’s a young man’s game. With me and a few other lads, we keep them in the right direction. You saw today the young lads can show up when they want.”

He even allowed himself a grin about sharing the tries around.

“I’ve not scored a hat trick for five years, so it’s nice to get a few. I usually play centre — so I’m enjoying it.”

Malone laughed about his positional journey, which has taken him from full back to centre and back again — and he’s enjoying the extra involvement.

“I used to play full back until five years ago, until I lost my pace. Then they put me in the centre to defend. Now they’ve put me back at full back — so I must have pace again. I don’t know how that works!”

And the role suits him.

“I get more ball at full back and I enjoy it a lot more. Less tackling as well. Bit of experience, bit of talking, letting them know where to go — it’s easier doing it.”

After a difficult start to the year, Malone believes the club is finally moving back toward where it should be.

“We’ve not performed like we should. But confidence is back. We’re flying. We’ve got two teams going, lads who didn’t want the travelling last year are back and enjoying it.”

And the ambition is clear.

“We want to kick on and show everyone what we’re capable of — where we should be, at the top of that league and beating teams like this.”

BARLA National Cup – Round 2 Results:

Orrell St James 18 Ashton Bears 0

Fryston Warriors 16 Crosfields 24

Thornhill Trojans 18 Pilkington Recs 0

Rochdale Mayfield 18 Leigh East 0

West Hull 18 Stanley Rangers 0

Barrow Island 13 Hunslet ARLFC 12

Distington 10 Woolston Rovers 26

Brentwood Eels 40 Stainland Stags 24

Milford 0 Leigh Miners Rangers 18

Skirlaugh 36 Bristol All Golds 10

Hammersmith Hills Hoists 0 Bentley 18

Hensingham 0 Featherstone Lions 18

Millom 0 Thatto Heath Crusaders 18

Normanton Knights 18 Ellenborough 0

Ince Rose Bridge 84 Blackbrook 12