Whitehaven News

Askam looking to upset odds at pacesetters

Published at 13:08, Friday, 18 November 2011

ASKAM have a tough job on their hands tomorrow as they travel to Rating Lane to take on pacesetters Barrow Island, writes JEFF COWARD.

BARROW AND DISTRICT LEAGUE

The Villagers are still seeking their first league win of the season – but if they play like they did against Ulverston last week, they should give the league leaders a real run for their money.

Defending champions Ulverston travel to Kelland Park for a derby clash against Dalton, and the Dragley Beck side should have too much firepower for their opponents.

Following their victory over Roose Pioneers last week, Hindpool Tigers will travel to Millom in confident mood, but the Woollybacks will be favourites to win on their own patch.

The Tigers led by a slender 16-14 margin at half-time against Roose, with first-half tries from Dan Pearson, Adam Armstrong and Tom Brayshaw, plus two Mark Hillman conversions.

Pioneers replied through the experienced Andy McClure, Christian Conaghani and Martin Brown, with Ross Walker converting one.

Hindpool stepped up a gear after the break with three more tries coming from Jack Harris, Pat Flynn, and Mark Hillman, who added conversions.

Pioneers replied through a second McClure try, with Ross Walker also going over the whitewash to make it 32-22 at the final whistle.

Joint table-toppers Ulverston were very fortunate to take the points against a spirited Askam side, who were their own worst enemies, giving away too many penalties and putting themselves under pressure.

No less than 50 points were scored in the first half, with Askam shading it 26-24. Tries came from Steve Bolton, Craig Crawford, Gareth Sanderson, Glen Coates, and Keiron Norman, with Crawford converting three of them.

Ulverston tries before the break came from Rory Wallace, Rod Millburn, Joe Nicholson, Mark Wilkinson and Kevin Higginson, with Neil Atkinson converting two of them.

The second half was much tighter as Ulverston went into the lead with Joe Nicholson getting his second try. Atkinson converted for 26-30.

Askam shot into the lead again when Clive Goffat went over the whitewash, with Crawford converting. However, with just six minutes remaining, Askam lost the ball 15 yards from the Ulverston try-line.

They were then penalised three times on the run, and Ulverston took advantage with Higginson getting his second try. Atkinson converted to make it 36-32.

In a hard, physical game played in good spirit, Barrow Island kept pole position with a 24-20 victory over Walney, while Millom had a comfortable 34-4 win over Dalton to keep up with the leaders.

Harrow Warman Cup first round draw: Millom v Hindpool, Dalton v Askam, Barrow Island v Ulverston, Walney v Roose Pioneers.

Tomorrow’s fixtures (all 2pm): Barrow Island v Askam (Rating Lane), Dalton v Ulverston (Kelland Park), Millom v Hindpool (Devonshire Road).

BARROW AND DISTRICT LEAGUE

P W D L F A Pts

Barrow Island

7 5 0 2 248 100 10

Ulverston

6 5 0 1 180 88 10

Walney

7 4 0 3 204 138 8

Millom

5 4 0 1 120 138 8