Haydock 7 Waterhead 4 HAYDOCK were made to battle all the way for victory against last year's champions.

And super tackling was the key to victory. But Waterhead made the perfect start when a kick through led to them scoring in the corner.

Haydock found it hard to get into the game, but they didn't make it easy for themselves with a number of basic errors.

But it was from a Waterhead mistake that Haydock hit back. A big hit by Fearnley forced the ball out of a tackle and stand-off Anders swooped on it and raced 80 metres for a fine try.

Ireland added the extras.

Good passing by Haydock produced another scoring chance, but the final chance went astray, leaving it 6-4 at the break.

The only point of the second half came when Darren Anders kicked a 58th minute drop goal.

For the last 20 minutes Waterhead enjoyed the bulk of possession, but the Haydock defence stood firm, with full-back Tither a tower of strength under the bomb and Lowe and Dolan working tirelessly.

Best for Haydock were Dolan, Lowe, Anders, Fenney, Wade and O'Garra.

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