Last updated at 09:13, Thursday, 17 June 2010

DALTON completed the double over Hindpool at Brisbane Park to end their season on a high and claim third place in North West Counties Division Three, writes PADDY McATEER.

SCORE: Andrew Nixon

NW COUNTIES

Hindpool 10

Dalton 34

Dalton built up a 22-0 lead and, though their hosts settled down to play good rugby, they had left themselves with too much to do.

Hindpool took the game to Dalton, with Matt Preston going close, and then a neat chip from Tony Rickleton saw Nial Johnson gather to be held short as the home side ran out of tackles.

Dalton took the lead on seven minutes after being awarded a tap penalty for offside.

It was a strong burst to the line that enabled Darren Laisby to touch down, Dave Thompson adding the goal for 6-0.

Three minutes later Andrew Nixon was crossing after good play from Chris Banks, 10-0.

With 14 minutes on the clock the lead was extended to 16-0. Paul Jones was bundled into touch by four defenders, but from the resulting scrum Hindpool lost possession, allowing Danny Sayle to cross and Thompson to add the goal.

Hindpool were on the back foot as they trailed 22-0 following swift handling from several players to enable Luke O’Connor to send Jonathan Walsh in at the corner,

Thompson adding the goal.

The hosts came into the frame on 22 minutes when Phil Cubiss fed Tony Rickleton and he prised open a gap to go through and score, Grant Burns adding the conversion, 22-6.

This lifted the home side as pressure came from Liam Rooke, who was held short by Nixon, before Adam Martin went close.

Dalton survived, with Regan taking play downfield and Laisby went in for a good try for 28-6.

Dalton again pressed, only to run out of tackles, and good work from Rickleton saw Stu Travers take play away from the danger zone.

Hindpool were now playing good attacking rugby, Mike Kummer, Preston and Rickleton all going close as Dalton defended stoutly.

Five minutes into the second half, the home side pulled back four points with a try from Nial Johnson after good approach work from Andy Swindlehurst.

But when Cubiss and Rickleton paved the way for Kummer to head for the line, Jones was on hand with a try-saving tackle to prevent a score.

Dalton increased their lead on 57 minutes when a short ball from O’Connor fed Sayle, and he crossed for a fine try, Thompson adding the goal for 34-10.

Three minutes later Baines broke to go 30 yards before parting to Nixon, but he lost possession.

Hindpool: Burns, Pearson, Travers, Nathan Johnson, Nial Johnson, Cubiss, Kyte, Coulthurst, Preston, Drew, Martin, Rooke, Rickleton. Subs: Swindlehurst, Bibby, Kummer, Brenton.

Dalton: Nixon, Walsh, Sayle, Jones, Worsley, Thompson, Baines, Regan, Wilkinson, Laisby, Hindle, Armstrong, O’Connor. Subs: Banks, Watson, Marshall, Parker.

Referee: Bob Huitson.

First published at 13:15, Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk