RUGBY LEAGUE: A Mark Thomas try on the last play of the game saw Eccles and Salford Juniors snatch a dramatic 20-14 home win against basement club Hull Isberg on Saturday.
The hard fought victory moved fourth from bottom Eccles four points clear of the dreaded drop zone in the National Conference League second division.
Eccles’ already injury hit squad was further depleted by the fact that Mike Davies, Marc Gilligan and Glynn Watson were all working away at the weekend.
But they dug deep and, after having their fair share of bad luck this season, their fortunes finally turned with several important refereeing decisions going in their favour and with Isberg squandering a fair few try scoring opportunities.
Isberg played much better than their league position suggested that they would.
But Thomas’ fine last-gasp try, which saw him burst through a couple of defenders to touch down a powerful 20-metre run, ensured that it was Eccles who were celebrating at the final whistle.
Eccles’ other try scorers were Bradley Lonsdale and John Basson. Andrew Muscat kicked four goals and Basson picked up Eccles’ man of the match award.
Meanwhile, rock bottom Langworthy Reds’ search for their first point of the North West Counties League Division Two season rolls on following a 10-2 home defeat to joint leaders Ince Rose Bridge.
But Irlam Hornets won their home game against an impressive New Springs Lions team 26-16 to leap-frog them into second spot in the fifth division table.
The Hornets played some fine rugby league despite missing six regular players.
Irlam defended brilliantly throughout and they had outstanding individual performers in Dan Scanlon, Stu Young, Chris Brannan and 16-year-old Ben Connor.
Folly Lane’s A team lie joint fourth in Division Six following an 18-0 walkover win against Blackpool Scorpions A and all of the other scheduled games involving local sides were postponed at the weekend due to bad weather.
Fixtures for Saturday, December 13: BARLA National Cup second round: Eccles and Salford Juniors v Saddleworth Rangers, Methley Royals v Irlam Hornets. North West Counties League Division One: Folly Lane v Walney Central. Division Two: Langworthy Reds v Blackbrook A. Division Four: Cadishead Rhinos v Eccles and Salford Juniors A. Division Six: Milnrow and Newhey v Folly Lane A.
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