Blackbrook 18 Rochdale Mayfield 6 BLACKBROOK snatched a Conference First Division lifeline with victory over Mayfield at Boardmans Lane on Saturday.

The homesters kept their hopes of survival alive with long overdue success against a side hovering on the brink of relegation themselves.

After a disappointing start to the season, Brook still have a long way to go before the corner is turned, but on the evidence of this display they are heading in the right direction. As a result of this victory Brook move up to two places away from the foot of the table, albeit on points difference.

Both try lines came under serious threat in the opening minutes with Alan Barker going close for Blackbrook and opposite number Lee Durant for the visitors the final pass went astray with the way to the line clear on each occasion.

A fine diagonal break across the face of the posts by Brook's Darren Mitchell looked dangerous until he was hauled down by two defenders 20metres from the line. Ian Marsh eventually opened Blackbrook's account with a penalty goal on 10 minutes.

A fine midfield break by hooker Gary Talbot midway through the first half had the visitors on retreat and set up a platform for Brook's first try from Tommy Hodgkinson. Ian Marsh converted.

Blackbrook made huge inroads into the visitors' territory from the restart with Darren Mitchell and Dave Ryan both being grounded close to the line. The homesters kept up the pressure and Gary Talbot crowned his first team debut with a try from close range.

Mayfield hit back strongly with a bout of sustained pressure on the home line which was eventually rewarded with at try by Karl Platt converted by John O'Donovan.

Midway through the second half Brook regained their earlier 12-point advantage at 18-6 when substitute Ian Lynch rounded off a superb diagonal break by Darren Mitchell with a try behind the posts. Ian Marsh converted.

But the visitors weren't down yet. Winger Jason O'Donovan was crashed into touch right on the corner flag and minutes later, a towering bomb from former Oldham scrum-half Ray Ashton caused some anxious moments as it dropped behind the line. However, centre Alan Barker swept in from the right flank to collect a favourable bounce and clear the danger with a 25-metre run from defence.

Darren Mitchell received the Blackbrook/Construction Power Services man of the match accolade. Stanningley under 18s 6 Blackbrook 20

Lee Marsh was once again an inspirational figure for Blackbrook with a personal tally of 12 points from a try and four goals.

Marsh opened his side's account with an early penalty goal before he increased the lead to eight points with a converted try.

Roy Pearson hit back with a try for Stanningley and Craig Royston added the easy conversion.

But Blackbrook quickly recovered from this setback to regain an eight point advantage at 14-6 with a Chris Halford try goaled by Lee Marsh before the interval.

For a while the homesters continued to sparkle after the break and there were several close calls on the visitors line before a David Llewellyn try goaled by Lee Marsh put the game safely out of reach.

The Blackbrook/Construction Power Services man of the match was Lee Marsh. Blackbrook Royals

under 16s 16 West Hull 25

Royals paid the price for a lethargic start and although they fought back to lead briefly, they did not deserve to win. Man of the match Liam Williams, two try John Clough, prop Mark Costello and Mark Gibson tried hard but at times lacked support. Warren Taylor scored the other try with Gibson landing two goals.

Halton Hornets under 14s 14 Royals 28

Royals maintained their 100 per cent record with this hard-earned victory. James Milligan (3), David Gwilliam (1) and Craig Littler got the tries with four goals from Paul Crook. Andy Brown took the man of the match award.

Royals under 13s 8 Wigan St Pats 14

After recovery from an 8-nil half-time deficit, Royals were sunk by a late try, in this top-of-the-table clash.

Danny Leigh was a rock in defence and took the BICC Components man of the match award, while Dane Shepherd and Paul O'Brien got the tries. Joey Dixon was also in top form. Royals under 12s 34 Rylands 4

The most improved side in the club continued their winning ways with this win over a highly rated Rylands outfit. Chris Brown (2), Scott Holland (2), Dean McGilvray and Mat Gartside scored, Paddy Flynn took the Franco's man of the match and Mike Webster, Paul Clough, Chris Donnelly and Paul Johnson had fine games.

Royals under 11s 10

Thatto Heath Crusaders 18

Royals' tries came from Will Abbott and Stuart Harmon, while Keiron Naylor was a deserved man of the match and Bobbie Littler was also in top form.

Royals under 10s 36 Rylands 6

Four-try Jamie Foster and Co-op man of the match Shaun Magennis led Royals to a comfortable victory as they warmed up for sterner tasks ahead. Fencequick top tackler Gary Wheeler, Andy Donovan and Chris Magrath also got on the scoresheet.

Thatto Heath Crusaders under nines 4

Royals 24

Royals were tested by an improving Crusaders outfit before tries by Luke Davies (2), man of the match Owen Livesey (2), Thomas Johnson and Robert Murphy saw them home. Top tackler Kyle Stevenson and Ryan Liptrot also impressed.

Royals under eights 30

Latchford Albion nil

In a convincing performance Royals' tries came from man of the match Dane Hodgekinson, top tacklers Nathan Goodwin and Jordan Kilbride, Daniel Craven, Liam Weston, Dean Craven and Matthew Topping with Martin Marsh and debutante Adam Spencer also impressing.

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