Saddleworth A 19 Haresfinch 30 FINCH made an encouraging start to the season with this well-deserved win.

They scored 12 points in as many minutes with loose-forward Damian Clitheroe's powerful breaks providing tries for skipper and stand-off Anthony Seabrook and centre John Jackson, both goaled by Seabrook.

Saddleworth hit back though and edged into a one-point interval lead with two converted touchdowns and a drop goal. After the break Finch stepped up a gear and regained the lead when Clitheroe forced his way over, Seabrook converting from the touchline. Then the number six scored the try of the match, collecting his own chip ahead to go under the posts and tag on the goal.

And Finch made sure of the spoils when a barnstorming Marsh run sent full-back Dave Penny surging through and Seabrook added his fifth goal.

Saddleworth grabbed a late consolation try.

The Fran's News men-of-the-match for Finch were Marsh and Clitheroe, just ahead of Seabrook, Penny and winger Allan Barker.