Honours even as match is all square

Nov 12 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

TWO evenly-matched teams played out an exciting draw in North Two West League.

The lead changed hands several times, but defences stood firm for most of the final quarter as both sides strived unsuccessfully for a winning score.

Mike Gallimore worked his way over from a ruck for the first New Brighton try, goaled by Martyn Canham, but Rochdale replied with two touch-downs from Lee Riddle and Mark Thomas, plus a conversion from Mike Bradwell.

Ryan Stead and Paul Campbell excelled in the lines for the Blues and it was forward pressure which led to the home side conceding a penalty try on the half hour, with Canham adding the extras.

Rochdale sneaked back in front right on the interval with Ron Hartley crossing and Bradwell converting.

The Blues, with the diagonal wind now in their favour, exerted pressure after the break and were rewarded with a Kati Tuipulotu try from a driving maul to make it 19-19.

The good work was undone as Thomas went in for Rochdale’s fourth try straight from the re-start but it was all square again on 65 minutes as Joe Bowmer used his pace to squeeze in at the corner.

The conversion failed and a draw was probably a fair outcome.

Campbell was forced off through injury in the third quarter with Lee McCourt taking over.

The Blues remain fourth in the table.