Cheshire edged out by Yorkshire in season opener

May 5 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

YORKSHIRE always just seemed to have the edge as Cheshire made a disappointing start to their County Championship campaign at Macclesfield.

But there was controversy late on when the home county were denied a penalty try for a seemingly blatant obstruction which, with the conversion, would have levelled matters.

The very fact the referee issued a yellow card to the Yorkshire player concerned was of little consolation to Cheshire.

Yorkshire were heavier up front and were a bit more pacy behind but Cheshire in the main defended well and never threw in the towel.

The home county secured precious little ball in the opening quarter. They did create some chances later but did not make the most of them.

It was 10-3 at the halfway stage with Yorkshire scoring a converted try and a penalty to just a penalty for the home side via Gareth Wynne.

Yorkshire went on to add two further tries in the second period. Cheshire kept in contention with an interception try via Ian Murray and the conversion and a second penalty by Wynne but they fell short.

Cheshire now meet Lancashire at New Brighton on Saturday and changes will be necessary with Manchester, who supplied half of the squad, due away on tour. Another defeat could leave them facing a relegation showdown at Warwickshire.