BLACKBROOK 12 INCE ROSE BRIDGE 34
DAVE HUNT, Boardman’s Lane, Sunday
THE clash between St Helens outfit Blackbrook, of the North West Men’s League, and Wigan side Ince – who narrowly missed out on promotion to the National Conference League Premier Division last year – went according to the form book.
But the hosts gave the visitors something of a test after an indifferent start.
Ince, who accounted for Longhorns of Ireland at the opening stage – at the second attempt after a frozen pitch initially scuppered both sides’ hopes – will now visit Featherstone.
Blackbrook were unable to build on their impressive first-round win at Aberavon Fighting Irish.
The Bridge, with secondrow Casey Shaw outstanding, posted tries in the first nine minutes by winger Calum Hughes and centre Kieran Murphy while hooker Robbie Valentine, who was understandably unable to improve either score in the extremely blustery conditions, was on target when loose-forward Kyle Malone dotted down as the opening period’s midway point beckoned.
Blackbrook raised hopes of a recovery with a touchdown by secondrow Josh Wilson – their best player – eight minutes before the break, winger Keenan Parr converting.
But Ince ended the hosts’ bid with second tries on 50 and 58 minutes by, respectively, the formidable pairing of Hughes and Kyle Malone, the first of which Robbie Valentine goaled.
The Wembley trail was well and truly over for the Brook when Robbie Valentine darted over with eight minutes remaining. Stand-off Peter Valentine, taking over the goal-kicking duties, added the extras.
The home side illustrated their resilience with a score by substitute Cameron Tunstall-Muil which Parr improved.
Blackbrook substitute Lewis Martin was then yellow carded for a late tackle, paving the way for Peter Valentine to wrap up the Wigan outfit’s win with a try which he couldn’t convert.
GAMESTAR: Ince Rose Bridge secondrow Casey Shaw, who put in a tireless defensive display and was always dangerous in attack.
GAMEBREAKER: Two tries before the hour stretched Ince’s lead from eight points to an unassailable 18.
MATCHFACTS
BROOK
1 Josh Langley
2 Keenan Parr
3 Josh Davies
4 Jordan McManus
5 Jayme Johnson
6 Mike Wynn
7 Dan Moss
8 James Whalley
9 Paul Nash
10 Luke Marsh
11 Josh Wilson
12 Reece Jackson
13 Scott Davidson
Subs (all used)
14 Aaron Hyland
15 Cameron Tunstall-Muil
20 Joe Woods
18 Lewis Martin
Tries: Wilson (32), Tunstall-Muil (75)
Goals: Parr 2/2
Sin bin: Martin (78) – late tackle
BRIDGE
1 Mason Fillingham
2 Gareth Jones
3 Jamie Malone
4 Kieran Murphy
5 Calum Hughes
6 Peter Valentine
7 Reece Bushell
8 Reece Cunningham
9 Robbie Valentine
10 Boyd Wilson
11 Kallem Rodgers
12 Casey Shaw
13 Kyle Malone
Subs (all used)
15 Craig Sanby
16 Keegan Boyd
17 Paul Farnworth
18 Jack Morrison
Tries: Hughes (4, 50), Murphy (9), K Malone (16, 58), R Valentine (72), P Valentine (80)
Goals: R Valentine 2/5, P Valentine 1/2
SCORING SEQUENCE: 0-4, 0-8, 0-14, 6-14; 6-20, 6-24, 6-30, 12-30, 12-34
Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match
Brook: Josh Wilson; Bridge: Casey Shaw
Half-time: 6-14
Referee: Matty Clayton