Hoylake 1st XV v's Bowdon

Hoylake 26
Bowdon 20

A typically close encounter between two similar teams resulted in a rare bonus point win for the hosts, whose platform was provided by the forwards but ultimately the match was won by the backs who took their chances well.

Still missing key personnel, Hoylake faced a strong wind in the first half and despite having the majority of the possession, trailed at half time to two penalties from the Bowdon number 10, despite a well taken, unconverted try by centre Richard Young.

The second half saw Bowdon try to keep possession but with the wind against them, Hoylake's flyhalf, James McLaughlin, pegged them back when given the opportunity.

The hosts seemed to have things in the bag when wingers Matt McLaren and Liam Rushworth scored quickfire tries midway through the second half. McLaughlin was in form with the wind behind him and slotted both conversions from out wide.

At 19-6, Bowdon came back again and their territory finally paid off despite some resolute defending by the hosts when their strong running 12 finally broke the line to score. With the visitors in the ascendancy and still within touching distance, Hoylake then put some phases together and a quick tap penalty by McLaughlin, rather than taking the easy 3, proved fruitful when Selby-Milic fed outside centre, Mike Kearney, whose low centre of gravity allowed him to cross the line despite the attention of two Bowdon defenders. Again, McLaughlin added the extras from out wide and Hoylake seemed home and dry.

The visitors had other ideas and replied with a quick penalty and then a try by their number 8 after another period of pressure in the Hoylake 22. At 26-20, the last couple of minutes were a nervy affair but Hoylake managed to keep Bowdon in their own half and eventually forced the knock in which signalled the end of an entertaining match.

Man-of the-Match was shared between McLaughlin and Young although big forwards, Matt O'Neill and Phil James pushed them close.

Next week, Hoylake face a potential banana skin at Warrington, whose league position belies some of their recent performances. Hoylake again will have to deal with their usual selection headaches but have a strong squad this year with a good amount of experience to call on when required.