HINDPOOL Tigers clawed their way back from 10-4 down at the break to run in 34 unanswered points and defeat Latchford Albion 38-10 at Brisbane Park.
The Tigers came up against stern opposition in the Albion and it took a strong second-half display to see off the challenge in their bid to claim a fop-four spot in North West Men’s League Division One.
Hindpool took the game to the visitors after the interval with great determination, ably assisted by a heavy penalty count as Latchford’s indiscipline proved costly, with two second-half sin-binnings.
But take nothing away from Phil Cubiss’ 17 players, they gave the ball plenty of air and Albion could not cope as the tries flowed.
Latchford looked the sharper of the two teams in the opening stages as they let the ball do the work and went ahead after only two minutes.
Several players handled as the ball swung along the line for second-row forward Dan Bowman to cross the whitewash, with full-back Lewis Whiteman adding the goal.
A second raid ended with hooker Liam Sargent losing the ball 10 yards short of the line and, when loose forward Dan Brown released centre Jay Richall, he raced clear downfield only to be halted as the tackles ran out.
The Tigers, who had seen little of the ball in hand, lost Connor McDermott early as he took a heavy knock carrying the ball upfield.
But they opened their account on 17 minutes when good play from Daryl Archer and Paul Rickelton sent Adam Martin to within inches of the line. It was Rickelton who was the provider for Rob Bower to crash over, his inside ball catching the visitors by surprise, Grant Burns failed to convert.
A chance went begging minutes later as Cubiss and Bower took play deep only for Bower’s intended pass for Dale Sneesby to fly high and into touch.
Albion increased their lead two minutes before the interval following a tap penalty.
Brown put in a strong run to the line only to be hauled down, however, Rirchall forced his way over from the play the ball for 10-4 at the break.
The second half way barely under way when the scores were level.
Mike Kummer took play into the Albion 20 andJamie Lynn continued the attack only to be brought down, but a quick play the ball saw Matt Preston force his way over, with Burns tagging on the extra two.
This lifted the Tigers, but Albion almost scored on the 50-minute mark.
Daniel Webster burst clear up field, but his inside ball to winger Jamie Sampson was adjudged forward.
Four minutes later Hindpool took the lead for the first time and it was one they were not to surrender.
Cubiss parted to Josh Bayliss on halfway and he pulled clear to romp over, with Burns adding the goal.
Losing their cool proved costly for the visitors as centre Richall was sin-binned for overly-robust play.
From the tap penalty, Tigers moved downfield for Rickelton to crash over. Further penalties followed and, within six minutes of Richall going to the bin, Brown joined him following a high tackle on Bayliss.
Two minutes later, Bayliss lost the ball which went backwards allowing Matt Archer to gather and scamper 40 yards to score. Burns obliged with the kick.
Bayliss soon crossed the line as he plunged over from close range, with Burns converting.
To round off a good afternoon at the office, Sneesby swooped on a loose ball to touch down, Daryll Archer adding the goal.
Millom gained promotion back to Division One of the National Conference following their 28-14 victory at Stanley Rangers, but they were made to work hard against the lowly-placed Leeds side.
With trips to fellow title contenders Featherstone Lions and Oldham St Annes to come, one win will see them crowned champions.
Tries came from Rickie Donaghue (2), Chris Warren, Warwick Carter and Tom Sibley, with three conversions and a penalty goal from Paul Evans. Featherstone defeated Dudley Hill 34-28.
Walney Central’s Cumbria League title hopes have been put on hold as leaders Distington’s game at Seaton was abandoned on 17 minutes when Seaton centre Brett Symes suffered a serious leg break.
The RFL have been informed, with the game likely to be replayed this weekend. A victory for Distington will see them crowned champions, if they lose Walney will retain the trophy.
Whatever the outcome of the match, Walney will have home advantage against Barrow Island on Saturday in the Top Four play-offs.
In the Barrow and District League, Askam and Hindpool will contest the Top-Four Play-offs final after semi-final victories on Friday.
Askam upset league and cup winners Walney Central 28-24 at Cebtral Drive, while league runners-up Hindpool overcame beaten KO Cup finalists Ulverston 28-22 at Brisbane Park.
The final will be played at Craven Park on Friday.
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