Swinton Lions have moved into second place in the league after a strong victory over the high-flying Midlands Hurricanes.
The Lions were able to win 16-8 at Heywood Road, looking to return to winning ways after losing to Dewsbury Rams last weekend.
And the Swinton were able to do so, as they took the lead against the visitors in the eleventh minute.
Following a restart after the scrum, Swinton Lions were able to move the ball well to the edge, where Louie Roberts was able to go in at the corner.
With a 4-0 lead, the Lions had an opportunity to extend, however, were unable as Reece Briers failed to convert.
And despite the early lead, the Hurricanes were able to get a stronger handle on the game but were let down by their own handling errors in good positions.
However, the home side didn’t panic, and the Lions were able to retaliate and get a firmer grip on the game.
In the 27th minute, Swinton moved the ball back across the field at pace, and Gav Rodden was able to run the ball into the corner, with Reece Briers converting to make it 10-0.
Despite, the Lions strong lead however, the Hurricanes were still trying to respond.
And it was until there was nine minutes left in the fixture that Luis Roberts was able to make the difference for the Midlands Hurricanes, as he was able to score in the corner just before the halftime hooter.
Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, Sully Medforth missed the conversion off the touchline – which would have made the second half a worrying 40 minutes for the home side.
But with a 10-4 lead, Swinton Lions couldn’t afford many more mistakes.
And despite both sides having chances to either equalise or extend their lead – it was until the 57th minute that Swinton were able to increase the lead to 12-4.
Swinton stood within Midlands 20m, and with the Hurricanes being penalised for a high tackle on Jake Davies – the Lions elected to go for goal.
Jack Stevens attempted the penalty goal from the touchline and was able to score – much to the relief of the home support.
But the healthy lead didn’t last long as the Hurricanes hit back with a second try, in the sixty-eighth minute, when Matty Hanley crossed in the corner but again no conversion from Medforth.
However, this attempted ‘comeback’ was short-lived as the Lions were able to go further ahead with ten minutes left when Hurrell found the pass for Higham to go over.
And after having a healthy lead from the 71st minute, the Lions were able to hold out and secure a much-needed victory.
The win puts Swinton Lions second in the league table, as they continue their push to return to the Championship.
The Lions will now have to direct their focus toward the North Wales Crusaders, as they continue their push for promotion and aim to maintain their winning run.
More information can be found here.
The match report was contributed by Ian Rigg, and the photos are credited to @tez.photog
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