Higginshaw 34 Worth Village 14

TWELVE-MAN Worth Village gave everything at in-form Oldham side Higginshaw but the challenge proved too much.

From the kick-off, the long trip was still in Worth's legs and the extra man advantage began to tell, with the hosts' powerful pack making yards.

Higginshaw opened the scoring with a converted try which Village claimed had come from a clear forward pass.

Worth were held up over Higginshaw's line on two occasions before the Oldham outfit added further tries.

Many teams may have given up but not Village. Led by captain Rob Spencer, Sean Knapper and Sean Cole the fightback began.

Full back Jack Copperwaite returned the ball well, making yard after yard, while props Feather and Dale Spencer drove Village forward, as did James Plumb.

The visitors got their reward as Copperwaite found a small gap to outrun the defence and score.

Just before half-time Nick Hird got the ball out wide to Danny Spencer, who drew the defence and passed to veteran Dave O'Connor to go on an 80-yard run, only to be stopped inches from the line.

The second half started as the first half finished, with Village dominating. Hird kept adding to his already high tackle count, which forced Higginshaw into kicking to relieve their line.

A great run from Jack Cawood brought the ball up to Higginshaw's 20. Rob Spencer attacked the line and threw the ball wide, which hit a Higginshaw defender. New player Gary Baker picked the loose ball up and held off two would-be defenders to score out wide. Spencer hit the woodwork with the conversion attempt.

Village's best try came when Cole fed Danny Spencer, who broke free to race 60 yards and score under the posts. Rob Spencer added the extras before Higginshaw hit back with another try.

Village hit the wall in the last ten minutes as the hosts hit back with two late tries to give the scoreline a flattering look.

Village host Queensbury A on Saturday.