Hoylake made up for their opening day mauling at the hands of Tyldesley back in September, with a combative victory which has propelled them to a creditable 5th place in the league.

Hoylake's preparations were less than ideal as veteran prop, Iain Stevenson withdrew during the pre-match warm up due to an ankle injury. This was further compounded whn Rob Kurton had to be replaced after just 5 minutes with a recurring hamstring problem. Add this to the absence of back row dynamo, Guy Byatt and 2nd row regular, Ian Griffiths, it looked like a tough day at the office ahead for Hoylake.

Not surprisingly, it was Tyldesley who took the early advantage, racing into a ten point lead, before Hoylake's smaller but more aggressive pack sparked into life. Big tackles from some of the youngsters put the Hoylake backs on the front foot and Steve Young made a trademark break to get the hosts on the scoresheet. The conversion and a later penalty by Joe Lavin put Hoylake at parity with the visitors before Tyldesley again edged in front with a try from their big 12.

Hoylake went in on level terms at half time following another break from Young, who was well supported by diminutive hooker, Jake Woods, who did the rest from 20 metres.

The game was still in the balance with both sides making numerous mistakes but it was Hoylake that largely dominated proceedings in the 2nd period, as the big visiting pack was beginning to visibly tire.

The hosts seemed to secure things with the next two tries. Another from in-form skipper Young and an outstanding score from the impressive James McLaughlin. Young lined up for a touchfinder on the far right hand side of the pitch following a penalty for offside conceded by Tyldesley. As the opposition dozed, Young spotted Mclaughlin in acres of space on the far touch line. He launched a perfectly weighted kick into the far corner. McLaughlin outjumped the right winger and showed a safe pair of hands, leaving him the relatively easy task of falling over the line to score the try of the match.

Tyldesley, equally affected by injury by the looks of things, didn't give up the fight though and scored a well worked try in the corner, finished off by their replacement right winger. Hoylake were still within touching distance at 27-20 but deservedly held on. With the last play of the game, Joe Lavin, unaware that time was up, launched a long kick infield, rather than finding the safety of touch. A defensive mix up gave new Dad, Matt O'Hanlon, the opportunity to finish things off and deny Tyldesley the bonus point with the easiest try he will ever score. Final score, 32-20.

Man of the Match was shared by Steve Young and flanker, Rob Shaw. However, Jake Woods and James McLaughlin were also outstanding in an open, entertaining match.

Hoylake now sit in 5th place in the league, with 4th place still a mathematical possibility. With 3 tough games left, starting on Saturday with newly crowned division champions Old Anselmians, Hoylake will be looking for a strong finish to the season, to confirm to the league how far they have come under the tutelage of Gareth John.