Alliance Claim Trophy
The Alliance side claimed the North West Men’s Trophy for the second time in three years with a gripping win against league rivals Halton Farnworth Hornets 18-12. In the second of the showpiece matches on North West Men’s Finals Day at Latchford Albion Mick Blakeley’s men gained revenge for their recent league defeat to the Widnes club with this nailbiting success. Miners had opened up a 12-0 lead inside the first half hour as Canada tourist Joe Harrison and Scott Pugsley claimed tries goaled by Garry Fitzmartin and Joe Lorimer but ex-Widnes man Lee Birdseye had Farnworth back in contention with a try for 12-4 at the break. When Gary Richardson scored a six pointer for the Hornets the game was right in the balance before Fitzmartin pushed Miners two scores clear with an interception try converted by the impressive Lorimer. A penalty for Farnworth made it 18-12 and the Hornets finished the game pounding the Miners’ line but the team held firm to regain the Trophy, with Fitzmartin also claiming the man of the match award.
