Widnes St Maries 6 Blackbrook 22 (21/01/12)
Brook's titles ambitions are still on track following a terrific win in gale force windy conditions in Widnes.
Playing into the wind the visitors made the best possible start with a try in the opening minute. Dave Llewellyn kicked forward on the last tackle of Brook's opening set of six he beat the Marie's full back to the swirling kick to regain possession, he found Paul Fass in support who moved the ball out for Danny Davies to cross for the opener with Chris Springford adding the conversion.
Following a period of pressure St Marie's levelled with a try from scrum half Ian Scott and a difficult conversion from Lee Birdseye.
Brook edged ahead mid way through the half as Chris Springford slotted home a penalty as they stepped up a gear.
Despite playing into the wind it was Brook who were now dominating the play and again it was a kick on the last tackle that Marie's failed to deal with Dave Llewellyn was again the first to loose ball to regain possession for his side this time he had Chris Springford in support who found Danny Davies again who raced away for his second try.
Ian Honey as usual was at the hub of Brook's continued attack towards the Marie's try line with veteran prop Steve Marsh and newcomer Neil Babbs making the hard yards forward as the visitors sensed a third try before the interval. Brook had their hosts pinned on their own try line and desperately trying to clear the danger when a forced error saw the ball spilled in the tackle the ball bounced over the try line and Chris Springford was on hand to ground the ball for an opportunist try he also added the conversion.
Brook wrapped the game up five minutes into the second half the visitors won a scrum twenty metres from their own line Scott Holland noticed the Marie's full back was out of position and hoofed the ball down field for Danny Davies who outpaced everyone to tap the ball over the try line and complete his hat trick with an unconverted try in the corner.
Despite the best efforts of both sides the was no further scoring Brook used the elements to continually drive Marie's back to their own half and held on comfortably for a vital two points.
Ian Honey was selected as The Tisdalls Man of the Match just ahead of Danny Davies with Dave Llewellyn taking the AB Sundecks players Man of the Match ahead of Neil Babbs and Chris Springford.
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Hull Dockers 6 Blackbrook 26 (14/01/12) (National Cup)
Brook breezed into the second round of the National Cup with a convincing win at the home of the National Conference outfit.
The visitors got off to a wonderful start scoring two brilliant tries in the opening ten minutes of the match.
Ian Honey sent Danny Davies away down the right hand side he released the ball to winger Scott Lyon who was tackled just short of the try line. Lyon quickly got to his feet and played the ball Brook swept play to the opposite side were Mark Webster held off the Dockers defence before sending his winger Tommy Cunningham over for an unconverted try in the corner.
Danny Davies was also involved in Brook's second try this time he broke away after taking a peach of a pass from Dave Llewellyn he found Scott Lyon in support again who this time finished in style with a try in the corner with Chris Springford landing the conversion from the touch line.
Dockers had a spell building pressure on Brook's try line and despite consecutive sets of the ball attacking inside the Brook 20mtr they couldn’t find any way through Brook's superb defence even when they did get over the line Chris Tyrer was there and prevented the attacker from grounding the ball.
The visitors edged further in front with a Springford penalty before got Dockers registered their only score with an 70 metre interception try from Chris Birch which was converted by Craig Skelton.
Dockers lost possession from the re-start and gave a penalty away for dissent leaving Springford with an easy penalty goal to send his side into the interval with an eight point margin.
Brook struck again early in the second period to dent the Dockers hopes of a comeback Scott Holland chipped the ball into the corner Mark Webster won the jump for the ball and tapped it back to Scott Lyon who the cover and returned the ball for Webster to cross and score with Springford again converted from wide out.
Blackbrooks defence was magnificent throughout the contest and easily handled all Dockers could throw at them
as they strived to get back into the game.
With ten minutes remaining Danny Davies broke clear from inside his own half and raced away to score a brilliant solo try which Springford again converted.
Ian Honey who as usual was at the centre of Brooks attack was selected as The Tisdalls Man of the Match with Tommy Cunningham taking the players AB Sundecks Man of the Match award.
Brooks reward for their win is a home game with Nevieson Leap from Pontefract.
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Simms Cross 8 Blackbrook 16 (07/01/12)
A much changed Blackbrook maintained their title ambitions with a hard fought win over Widnes outfit Simms Cross.
It was a late Lee Marsh penalty that finally put daylight between the two sides in a game that could have gone either way.
Chris Springford, Lee Marsh and Tommy Cunningham all crossed for Brook with Marsh adding one conversion.
Winger Alan Billington and Sam Clarke scored unconverted tries for the home side.
Ian Honey was selected as The Tisdalls Man of the Match with Chris Springford picking up the AB Sundecks players Man of the Match. Ste Marsh and Mark Webster were both in contention.
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Bank Quay Bulls 29 Blackbrook 22 (Lancashire Cup Final 27/12/11)
Brave Blackbrook pushed holders Bank Quay all the way but were just edged out at the finish of an epic Lancashire Cup Final.
Brook took the game to the Bulls right from the kick off and within three minutes took the lead with a Lee Marsh penalty. It might of got better minutes later when Scott Holland linked up with the attack, he released a pass to Greg Hale who was bundled into touch at the corner flag.
They did score the try they deserved on ten minutes following a scrum deep into their own half Lee Marsh launched a downfield kick for Danny Davies to chase he outpaced Bank Quay's chasers to score a brilliant try by the posts which Marsh converted.
Brook missed a great chance to increase their lead mid way through the half. The backs worked a move from a scrum in the Bulls half. the ball was fed out to winger Dave Weldon who was unlucky as he juggled a difficult pass before the ball hit the ground and the chance was lost.
This spurred the Bulls into action and on their next attack Brook failed to deal with a high tackle. The holders regained possession and Craig White took full advantage jinking between the posts to score. White also added the conversion.
Two minutes before the interval Marsh extended Brook's lead with a penalty. Brook hoped to take the lead into the half time period however Bulls had other ideas and hit back with a superb try. Phil Braddish made the brake he released a pass for Paul Cragg to score between the posts White added the goal to send The Bulls into the for the first time on the whistle.
The Bulls increased their lead five minutes after the restart following a period of pressure on Brook's try line. Danny Forster spotted a gap in the defence to stretch out and score with White again converting.
Brook hit straight back Ian Honey made a great run from attacking half back he was supported by Danny Davies who went in for his second try.
The Bulls took advantage of a Brook error to take possession and score a close range unconverted try wide out on the right.
The end to end action continued Ian Honey made another break from the ruck area only for this time his pass failed to find any support and Bank Quay mopped up the loose ball.
The Bulls increased their lead with a converted try by Wes Lawton only for Brook to edge back into the game when Lee Marsh sent Danny Davies over for his hat trick of tries.
A Paul Cragg drop goal increased his sides lead as the game entered its final ten minutes.
Brook launched a series of attacks only for desperate defending from the Bulls to hold them out until a long range pass from Lee Marsh found Tommy Cunningham who went over to score what turned out to be consolation try.
Danny Davies was chosen as The Tisdalls Man of the Match with Ian Honey taking the AB Sundecks award. Paul Cragg picked up the award as the official Man of The Match.
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Blackbrook 0 Pilkington Recs 4 (10/12/11)
Brook suffered their first defeat of the season as Pilks won a thrilling match to throw the title race wide open.
The match was played in shocking conditions at Boardmans Lane as both teams slugged it out and deserve nothing but praise for the effort and endeavour.
Unfortunately the match ended in controversy as the match official contentiously disallowed a Brook try in the very last play of the game and denied the home side a share of the points.
It was never going to be a high scoring match in the conditions and it was the home side who had the first chance to register points Chris Springford broke through the Pilks defence it looked like he could of scored himself however as the cover defence arrived his pass to Winger Tommy Cunningham drifted well forward and the chance was lost.
On the half hour mark Pilks scored what turned out to be the only points of the game Brook lost possession deep in their own half gifting their visitors a set if six tackles in their own 20 metre area. Great defence seemed to have stubbed out the danger however Ryan Rogers ran the ball on the last tackle and found a way over the try line for an unconverted try.
Rogers had the chance to increase his sides lead early in the second half he hacked a loose ball on towards the try line only to see the ball bobble into touch as he was in the clear.
Brook seemed to draw level with ten minutes left on the clock Centre Danny Davies was the quickest to react to kick through he lunged at the ball over the line and celebrated his try however The Referee ruled he hadn’t made contact with the ball and disallowed the score.
Lee Marsh saw red for questioning the decision and as the game entered the last couple of minutes Brook were down to eleven as Danny Fairhurst got a yellow card for descent.
Brook held out Pilks final attempt to put the game the game to bed and regained possession to have one final assault themselves on the visitors try line.
Superb play took them from their half to striking distance and Dave Llewellyn found a pass to Winger Dave Weldon he wrestled his way over the line to get the ball down however Brooks joy at snatching something out of the game was short lived as The Referee ruled Weldon had been held up and blew the final whistle.
Prop Ste Marsh was selected as The Tisdalls Man of the Match with centre Danny Davies taking the AB Sundecks players Man of the Match. Ryan Rogers picked the accolade for the visitors.
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Wigan St Cuthberts 16 Blackbrook 25 (03/12/11)
Brook were made to battle all the way in wet and windy conditions against a rejuvenated St Cuthberts side. The final outcome was in doubt until the very last play of the game when Jon Glover crashed over the line to seal the points and maintain Brooks unbeaten start to the season.
The visitors made a perfect start to the game by taking the lead in only the fifth minute they forced an error deep inside the St Cuthbert's half and from the resulting scrum Dave Scott collected the ball and spotted a gap in the defence he took his chance superbly with Lee Marsh adding the conversion.
Brook looked likely to increase their lead 10 minutes later they created an overlap down the left channel however a loose pass was seized upon by centre Matty Charnock who raced 80 metres downfield to score Anthony Houghton added an easy conversion to level the scores.
Brook restored their lead mid way through the half it was Lee Marsh who released a pass to Greg Hale on half way the skipper beat the cover and turned the full back inside out to score a superbly taken try with Marsh again adding the extras.
The match was turning into forward battle on a heavy pitch, Matty Lowe was having a terrific game leading his pack for the hosts however Brook's forwards were on top through out the opening half.
Ste Marsh and Steve Marsh led the charge through the mud for Brook's third try just before the interval Stand Off Lee Marsh forced his way over from close range and also added the goal to give his side a healthy 18 points to 6 half time lead.
St Cuthbert's reduced arrears early after the restart Anthony Houghton chipped the ball towards Brook's try line the ball bounced off the upright allowing Jamie Dallimore to follow up the kick to score with Houghton adding the conversion.
It was always going to be a tight game so Lee Marsh took the opportunity to pop over a drop goal to give Brook a vital seven point margin.
With less than 10 minutes remaining Brook missed the opportunity to seal the game as a Tommy Cunningham try was ruled out for a forward pass. From the scrum St Cuthbert's took play to inside Brook's half and a speculative kick on the last tackle took two ricochets and was picked up by Craig Keating who scored an unconverted try in the corner leaving the visitors clinging on to a delicate lead.
Brook made sure there was no alarms and played out the final minutes in the home sides half and right on the final whistle it was Jon Glover who forced his way over the line despite the best efforts of several defenders. He twisted out of the tackle to plant the ball down under the posts leaving Marsh with an easy conversion to complete the scoring for the Afternoon.
Brooks outstanding Prop Ste Marsh who topped the tackle count and the hit ups in an eighty minute stint was selected as both The Tisdalls Man of the Match and The AB Sundecks Players Man of the Match. Full back Paul Fass and Lee Marsh were both in contention.
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Blackbrook 34 Widnes St Maries 6 (26/11/11)
Blackbrook eased their way through to Lancashire Cup Final with an impressive display of pace and power that was too much for Widnes rivals St Maries.
Brook kicked off taking the advantage of a strong wind blowing the length of their Boardmans Lane pitch. The home side forced St Maries to re-start with a drop out under their own posts following the first set of 6 tackles and Brook took advantage of their field position when Lee Marsh slipped an inside pass to Dave Scott who scampered under the posts in only the second minute with Marsh adding the extras.
Fifteen minutes into the game St Maires lost possession attacking Brook's own 20 Metre line and from the resulting scrum Lee Marsh launched a down field kick for his side to chase and it was speedy centre Danny Davies who outpaced everyone to collect the ball and score under the posts with Marsh again adding the extras.
St Maries defence was working overtime to hold Brook out, Ian Honey was causing havoc as usual around the ruck area with Forwards Ste Marsh Chris Tyrer and Sean Richardson all making the hard yards down the middle of the field. Skipper Greg Hale and Dave Llewellyn took advantage of the space to terrorise the Widnes outfit on the edges.
Brook increased their lead with a Marsh penalty on the half hour mark after St Maries were caught holding down at the play the ball.
With two minutes remaining before the interval Brook struck again, St Maries were clearing their own line when a shuddering tackle from Greg Hale forced the Widnes player to loose possession. Lee Marsh was on hand to calmly tap kick the ball over the try line and touch down. Marsh added a superb touch line conversion to give his side a 20 point interval lead.
Despite the lead St Maries had the advantage of the conditions during the second however Brook soon dispelled any hopes they had of getting back into the game. The home side regained possession from their own kick off and were soon on their opponents try line again. With the Maries defence stretched a long pass from the ruck by Ian Honey sent Dave Weldon over in the corner for an unconverted try.
Two further Brook tries in the opening fifteen minutes effectively ended the game and saw Brook deservedly through to the final. Danny Davies burst out of the grasp of two tacklers on half way and raced away to score his second try of the Afternoon with Marsh again converting.
Kyle Smith was on the end of flowing Brook move to score Brooks sixth and final try of the game.
Hard working half back Lee Birdseye scored a late consolation try for the visitors before Brook celebrations began on the final whistle.
Ian Honey was selected as The Tisdalls Man of the Match with Greg Hale taking The AB Sundecks players Man of the Match award however it was a superb team display with all the players from one to seventeen earning the plaudits from Coaches Mark Lee and Stuart Wright.
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Ashton Bears 4 Blackbrook 38 (19/11/11)
Brook recovered from a first minute shock to register their place in The Lancashire Cup Semi Final.
Ashton made the best possible start to the game when Centre Chris Rothwell strolled in at the corner for an unconverted try in the opening minute.
Brook however were soon in control of the game and only superb last ditch defending from the Bears prevented the visitors from scoring on several occasions. Sean Richardson Lee Marsh and Tommy Cunningham all had sight of the try line before being stooped in their tracks.
Mid way through the half the pressure finally paid off when Dave Scott released a pass to Lee Marsh and ran round the Stand Off to take a return and pass and jink his way over the try line. Marsh added the conversion to edge his side in front.
The visitors soon added to their lead the Ashton defence failed to deal with a towering kick from Danny Fairhurst. Brook recovered possession Kyle Smith and Craig Littler both did well to keep the ball in play before play was switched to left where Dave Llewellyn stooped low to collect a Marsh offload to score with Marsh again adding the extras.
Five minutes before the interval Brook scored their third try of the half. A high tackle on Marsh gave Brook a penalty which resulted in another set of six for the visitors inside the Ashton twenty metres. Skipper Greg Hale duly obliged collecting a long pass to go over for a try in first game after an injury.
Ashton looked for a repeat opening the second half of the game however the time Kyle Smith intercepted a pass on his own line and raced fifty metres to clear the danger.
Both sides began to find the heavy conditions tiring, however Brook's superior fitness levels was decisive as they ran in four unanswered tries in the final quarter of the match.
Firstly a decisive pass from Scott Holland created the space for Greg Hale to race away for his second try with Holland also adding the conversion.
Within minutes Brook scored again, Chris Tyrer broke clear from inside his own half and found Dave Llewellyn in support who kicked the ball towards the corner. The bobbling ball was collected by Llewellyn, he passed to Dave Scott who went over for his second try of the game.
With ten minutes remaining Lee Marsh followed his own kick to the line on the last tackle .The ball stuck in the mud between several defenders and attackers however no one had touched the ball down before Marsh arrived on the scene he duly added the conversion to his try.
Brook saved the most spectacular try until the last one. Marsh and Llewellyn combined before Kyle Smith came on an inside pass from Llewellyn to race clear from half way and dive under the posts Lee Marsh added his fourth conversion to round off the scoring.
Lee Marsh was selected as The Tisdalls Man of the Match with Dave Scott picking up The AB Sundecks players Man of the Match with Dave Llewellyn and Danny Fairhurst both in contention.
Brook's reward is Semi Final home tie this Saturday against Widnes St Marie's.
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Blackbrook 28 Widnes St Marie’s 12 (29/10/11)
Brook returned to the summit of the Premiership with a hard fought victory over a gritty Widnes St Marie’s side.
It looked plain sailing for Brook when in only the third minute Danny Fairhurst followed up his own kick to score as the St Marie’s defence hesitated from clearing the danger, Lee Marsh added the conversion.
The Widnes outfit led by props Hibbert and Prescott came back into the game and it was no surprise when Hibbert forced his way over to score with Lee Birdseye levelling the scores with the conversion.
On the half hour mark the home side regained the lead a neat Scott Holland pass found Dave Weldon running a superb line, Brook's pacey back row forward raced clear of the covering defenders to score a well taken try in the corner.
Within minutes St Marie’s were back on the attack and Winger Danny Sharples out jumped everyone to score in the corner. Lee Birdseye added a superb conversion to edge his side in front for the first time.
The visitors lead didn't last too long, a towering kick in front of the St Marie’s posts caused havoc in the defence and Lee Marsh was on hand to pounce and score the games third try in an eight minute spell. Marsh also added the goal to give his side a 16-12 interval lead.
It was crucial for Brook to come out after the break and get the next score and within minutes they duly obliged. Sean Richardson was hauled down a yard short however a quick play the ball had the defence stretched and Danny Fairhurst found Prop Ste Marsh who was unstoppable as he crashed over from close range with Marsh again adding the conversion.
Brook wrapped the game up mid way through the half. Great forward play took them from a scrum ten metres away their own line to a position were Kyle Smith finished off in style with a try under the posts leaving Marsh with an easy kick for his fourth conversion.
Lee Marsh was selected as The Tisdalls Man of the Match with Danny Fairhurst taking the AB Sundecks players
Man of the Match award. Sean Richardson playing his first game of the season was in contention along with Dave Llewellyn.
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Clock Face Miners 16 Blackbrook 16 (22/10/11)
The two local rivals both remain the only unbeaten teams in the Premier League following a controversial draw as Miners grabbed a last minute score to level an enthralling game.
Although feeling aggrieved at having what would have been a match winning try disallowed with two minutes remaining Brook will look at several unforced errors as the reason they returned home from Clock with just the one point.
The opening fifteen minutes found both sides having to defend well to cancel each other out Scott Holland and Tommy Johnson both were unlucky with chip kicks.
Brook took the lead mid way through the half Tommy Johnson broke clear from inside his own half he drew the full back before releasing an inside pass to Dave Llewellyn to score with Lee Marsh converting.
Within two minutes Brook struck again this time it was Ian Honey who used all his strength to break clear of the defence and race away down the centre of the field we was supported by Dave Scott who was tackled short. The visitors quickly played the ball and moved it out left where Danny Davies crossed for an unconverted try.
Brook had to defend for their lives as Clock lifted their game claiming a try only for the referee to rule the player was held up by determined defenders.
Clock started the second period as the they finished the first with Brook's errors giving them a host of field position. It finally paid off when ten minutes into the half prop Alan Johnson stretched out to score from close range with Martin Hutton converting.
Five minutes later Brook restored their ten point advantage a strong run from Kyle Smith took play near the Clock line before Dave Weldon found Craig Littler coming on his inside, Weldon released a perfectly timed pass for Littler to score with Marsh again concerting.
Despite building up their lead Brook continued to invite Clock back into the game as they continued to loose possession in their own half early in the tackle count.
With fifteen minutes remaining Brook failed to deal with a speculative kick on the last tackle after Clock had been forced to retreat back the ball finished up in the hands of Alan Johnson who forced his way over for his second try. Huttons conversion into a troublesome wind crucially went wide of the posts.
Brook were clinging on to their lead and thought they had wrapped the game up with two minutes remaining Lee Marsh attempted a drop goal only the ball rebounded from a Clock player back into Brook's possession. The visitors swiftly took play to the left for Darren Forshaw to go in at the corner, the referee awarded the try before being aware of a very late call from the linesman who claimed Forshaw had gone into touch.
During injury time Brook again lost possession in their own half giving Clock one last assault on the try line and they took advantage of the visitors stretched defence when prop Peter Riley scored from close range with Martin Hutton levelling the scores with the last kick of the game.
Danny Davies was selected as both The Tisdalls Man of the Match and the AB Sundecks players Man of the Match with Dave Weldon and Ste Marsh both in contention. Two try Prop Alan Johnson was the Saints Taxis Man of the Match for Clock Face Miners.
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Wigan St Cuthberts 16 Blackbrook 37 (15/10/11)
A Kyle Smith hat trick and four tries in eight minutes either side of half time was the foundation of Brook's victory which saw them progress to the last eight of this seasons Lancashire Cup.
They took the lead in the opening minutes following successive penalties. Hooker Brett Tabbener scrummed his way over from close range with Anthony Houghton converting.
An error from the restart soon had Brook piling pressure on the home side's try line. Tommy Johnson was close to scoring before Lee Marsh switched play to the right where Danny Fairhurst and Danny Davies combined to send Smith over for his first score.
Anthony Houghton edged St Cuthbert's further ahead with a penalty goal mid way through the half before Brook started to take control of the cup tie.
The visitors took the lead for the first time on the half hour mark a typical blockbusting run from Jon Glover broke the Wiganers defence, he found Ian Honey in support who swapped passes with Danny Fairhurst before racing away to score under the posts with Lee Marsh converting.
A brace of tries in the closing two minutes of the first half proved decisive. Tommy Johnson and Dave Weldon both went close to scoring before Lee Marsh launched a long pass out wide to Darren Forshaw who scored a well taken try in the corner.
From the restart it was Jon Glover again who came on a defence busting run, he offloaded to Danny Davies who raced away to score with Marsh converting.
Brook's two early tries extended their lead to an unassailable twenty points. Full back Tommy Cunningham made the initial break before another Lee Marsh pass sent Darren Forshaw over for his second try.
Good yards from Ben Howard and support play from Danny Davies set up the position for Danny Fairhurst to send Kyle Smith over for his second try.
Lee Marsh rubbed salt into the wounds with a drop goal before St Cuthberts got back onto the scoreboard with an unconverted try from Terry Bridge.
Kyle Smith completed his hat trick by taking a neat flick pass from Tommy Cunningham to score in the corner.
Terry Bridge went over for his second try for the home side before another Ben Howard run opened up the defence for Danny Davies to race away for his second try of the Afternoon.
Lee Marsh picked up The Tisdalls Man of the Match award with hard working prop Ben Howard taking the AB Sundecks players Man of the Match accolade.
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Blackbrook 26 Golborne Parkside 6 (01/10/11)
Following last weeks epic win at Pilkingtons Brook came up with a disjointed performance in the tropical conditions however Mark Lee's men had enough pace and guile to see off the spirited Golborne outfit.
Most of the good work came in the first half as Brook ran in 22 unanswered points to effectively collect the two points ad remain at the top of The Premiership.
Brook opened the game camped out on Parkside's line however dogged defence from the visitors kept them out until the 10th minute when a superb offload from Mark Webster who was under a trio of defenders sent Ian Honey over unopposed under the posts. Lee Marsh added the conversion.
The home side increased their lead mid way through the half following a repeat set Jon Glover made the hard yards towards the Golborne try line. Brook swept play to the right where Chris Springford sent in fellow Backrower Dave Weldon through a large gap to score with Marsh again adding the extras.
Golborne had their spell of the half as they tried everything get back into the game but Brook superbly led by Ste Marsh and Ben Howard managed to keep their opponents scoreless.
After weathering all Golborne's attacking, Brook countered in style as they often do. A superb long pass in midfield from Scott Holland created the space down the left channel for Greg Hale to draw in the defence in and release a pass for Tommy Cunningham to go over in the corner for an unconverted try.
Brook brought the half to a close with their fourth try right on the Referees whistle. Kyle Smith came on a blockbusting run to the try line only to be hauled down a yard short however Danny Fairhurst quickly got to the play the ball and sent Jon Glover powering over for his first try of the season with Marsh again adding the goal.
With both coaches having to make several changes throughout the game to keep the players fresh, the second half deteriorated in the October heat.
A superb Jon Glover tackle prevented the visitors from scoring in the opening minutes of the half as he prevented the visitors player from touching down after crossing the line.
Golborne scored a deserved try mid way through the second half when Jimmy Muir crashed his way over with Stuart
Arkwright converting.
Brook wrapped the game up ten minutes later. Scott Holland threw a speculative pass out which bounced its way to Darren Forshaw who stepped inside two defenders to score a well taken try wide on the right.
Danny Davies whose strong running was a constant threat was selected as The Tisdalls Man of the Match whilst The AB Sundecks Players Man of the Match was a three way split between Davies, Greg Hale and Jon Glover.
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Pilkington Recs 6 Blackbrook 13 (24/09/11)
Brook moved to the top of The North West Counties Premiership with a thrilling victory in a typically hard fought encounter at Ruskin Drive. Both sides defended magnificently and points were at a premium.
The result was in the balance until the last couple of minutes when Lee Marsh launched a 40 metre drop goal to give his side a vital seven point margin.
Both teams came into the game with a couple of players missing and it was Brook who started the stronger as they camped out on the home side's try line for long periods however Pilks defence stood up to the task.
Both Chris Springford and Danny Davies had tries ruled out for offside. Desperate defending repelled Brook's attacking flair with Lee Marsh Greg Hale and Scott Holland all being hauled down with the try line in site.
Brook finally got the score they deserved on 25 minutes a driving run from Jon Glover took play to ten yards from the try line the visitors swept the play to the left were Lee Marsh threw out a long ball to skipper Greg Hale who powered his way the line for an unconverted try.
Brook held a slender four point lead at the interval however minutes into half Pilks edged into the lead. A Brook error gave the home side an attacking scrum just metres from the try line. Pilks took advantage of their position and Prop Ste Charlson scored from close range with Ryan Hilliard adding the extras.
Pilks had their chances to increase their lead however it was Brook's turn to man up in defence and prevent their hosts from scoring.
Brook regained the lead mid way through the half following a succession of raids, Dave Llewellyn came on a perfectly timed angled run to take a Lee Marsh pass to score by the posts Marsh added the conversion.
It always looked to be a low scoring game Marsh took the opportunity to edge his side further ahead with a penalty goal as Pilks got caught dissenting a Referees decision.
With time running out Lee Marsh launched a drop goal from fully 40 metres which was still rising as the ball reached the posts to put his side a vital two scores in front.
Despite enduring eight minutes of injury time Brook held out for a vital win.
Greg Hale who dangerous in attack and outstanding in defence throughout picked up both the Tisdalls Man of the Match award and the players AB Sundecks Man of the Match with Ste Marsh Scott Holland and Ian Honey all in contention.
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Blackbrook 60 Clock Face Miners 6 (17/09/11)
Blackbrook blitzed Clock Face with an eleven try romp to send them crashing out of this season's Lancashire Cup in the opening round.
Brook started the game strongly with Lee Marsh forcing Clock to restart from under their own posts in the opening minutes. The home side took advantage of their position and Danny Fairhurst sent Ste Marsh through a gap in the defence for the opening score.
Jon Glover was making inroads into the visitors half with several barnstorming runs, he set up the position for Lee Marsh to slip an inside pass to Scott Holland who sent over to score with Marsh converting.
Clock followed this with their best spell of the game however the found Brook's defence in a mean mood as they repelled the visitor’s best efforts to get back into the game.
Brook were almost out of sight by half time as they ran three tries in during the last ten minutes of the half. Firstly Lee Marsh put in little kick near the try line, the ball was lodged between several pairs of legs and Marsh was alert to gather the ball and send Chris Tyrer over for the try. Marsh also added the conversion.
Another Marsh kick was collected by Danny Fairhurst who raced away to score a converted try. The best try of the half came on the stroke of half time, Dave Llewellyn and Scott Holland combined to send Stephen Parkinson clear from half way. Parkinson evaded the covering tacklers and the corner flag to finish superbly.
Clock struck the opening blow in the second half when impressive centre Chris Sheffield scored a well taken try that was converted by Martin Hutton.
The visitors come back didn’t last long as a Dave Llewellyn break was support by Ian Honey who scored between the posts with Marsh converting.
Brook tightened the screw minutes later when Scott Holland dummied his way over following good work from Dave Scott. Kyle Smith was on the end of a chip into the corner as Brook extended their lead. Marsh added both conversions before taking a well earned breather.
Mark Webster made the initial break before Danny Davies turned the ball inside for Ian Honey to go over for his second of the afternoon with Parkinson this time converting. Honey was the provider for the next score has he sent Skipper Greg Hale over from close range with Parkinson again converting.
Centre Danny Davies rounded off the scoring as he broke clear and rounded the full back to score in corner.
Hard working prop Ste Marsh was again selected as The Tisdalls Man of the Match and fellow prop Ben Howard took the award as The AB Sundecks players Man of the Match. Try scoring centre Chris Sheffield picked up The Saints Taxis accolade for the Visitors.
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Blackbrook 34 Wigan St Cuthberts 10 (10/09/11)
Brook maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a hard fought victory against last season's runners up St Cuthberts from Wigan.
Brook kicked off and an error from St Cuthbert's handed the home team an attacking scrum inside the twenty metre line.
Brook took advantage and a superb pass from Dave Weldon sent Kyle Smith on an unstoppable run to the try line for an unconverted first minute score in the corner.
The home side continued to pile the pressure on the visitors try line and Kyle Smith was soon over again only to be recalled after The Referee correctly ruled the final pass of the move to Smith had drifted forward.
Fifteen minutes into the game Blackbrook did increase their lead from deep inside their own half, Lee Marsh spotted the full back out of position and launched a downfield kick for centre Danny Davies to chase. Davies outpaced everyone to collect a bobbling ball and score under the posts Lee Marsh added the conversion.
Blackbrook forwards led by Ste Marsh and Chris Tyrer were not only defending well against a heavier St Cuthbert's pack but making inroads into their defence when Brook had possession. Brook soon increased their lead, hooker Ian Honey as dangerous as ever from dummy half made the break he was well supported by Danny Fairhurst who raced away for the try which Lee Marsh also converted.
St Cuthbert's were fighting to stay in the game at this stage and got a lift when Danny Clayton intercepted a pass and raced clear for an unconverted try on the half hour mark.
Five minutes before the interval Brook restored their sixteen point advantage this time full back Scott Holland made the break, he found Dave Scott in support who finished off with a try under the posts which Marsh converted.
The Wigan outfit had the better of the opening stanza of the second half and got their reward when burly prop Phil DeBurgh crashed over from close range with Clayton converting. Minutes later Winger Adam White raced away from Brook's cover defence and it took a superb cover tackle from Scott Holland to prevent a further try from the visitors.
Lee Marsh calmed Brooks nerves with a penalty goal following a high tackle as Brook weathered their visitors storming opening to the half.
Mid way through the half good work from Winger Stephen Parkinson forced an attacking scrum for his side near the St Cuthbert's try line Brook swept the play right and quickly back to the left for Parkinson to finish brilliantly in the corner flag despite the attention of two defenders.
Parkinson was also involved in Brook's final try as he and Ste Marsh combined to break down the left channel, Ste Marsh was tackled just short of the try line however Lee Marsh was on hand to collect the ball from dummy half to force his way over for the try which he also converted.
Ste Marsh was selected as The Tisdalls Man of the Match with Ian Honey and Greg Hale sharing The AB Sundecks Players Man of the Match.
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Shevington Sharks 10 Blackbrook 68 (03/09/11)
Brook made a stuttering start to their opening league fixture of the new campaign. They struggled to adapt the wet conditions and Shevington's enthusiastic opening. However once Brook had weathered their opponents early raids and adapted to the wet conditions the visitors pack superbly led by Ben Howard and Chris Tyrer laid the foundation for a points frenzy as they ran in 62 points in as many minutes.
Brook did open the scoring in the fifth minute when Dave Scott threw out a long pass to Danny Davies who sent winger Ste Parkinson over in the corner with Lee Marsh kicking the first of his nine conversions from the touch line.
The home side were soon back into the game, Brook were forced so restart from under their posts and Shevington took advantage with a try from centre Danny Lythgoe who went sliding in at the corner.
It was mid way through the half before Brook increased their lead, Dave Llewellyn found Ian Honey running the angle to go under the posts for a converted try.
Brook now hit top gear and ran in three more tries before the half time break, firstly Lee Marsh kicked the ball into open space near the Shevington try line for Skipper Greg Hale who outpaced the covering defence to score.
Dave Scott and Lee Marsh combined to send Tommy Cunningham over for the first of his tries and Marsh was involved again chipping into the corner for Dave Weldon who got his hand to ball despite the pressure from two Shevington defenders.
Brook opened the second half with three further tries in the opening 7 minutes. Ian Honey broke clear from inside his own half he found Dave Scott in support who sold a perfect dummy to the full back before scampering over to score. Next on the score sheet was Centre Danny Davies who was too powerful as he forced his way over the try line.
Chris Tyrer was tackled a yard short before Brook took play to the right were Chris Springford took a short pass from Scott to score.
Brooks interchange forwards Ste Marsh and Jon Glover with Danny Fairhurst buzzing around kept Brook's momentum going and Shevington had no answer. Mark Webster offloaded for Tommy Cunningham to add his second try before Ian Honey broke away again, he handed the ball on to Dave Scott who sent Chris Springford away for his second score.
Shevington managed a consolation try from Hooker Luke Murphy converted by Steve Dunn before Brook ran in the last two of their twelve tries.
Barry McGilvray on his welcome return to the club collected Lee Marsh’s off load to score and Mark Webster added a late try converted by Springford to complete the scoring.
Lee Marsh was chosen as both The Tisdalls Man of the Match and the AB Sundecks Players Man of the Match with Chris Springford and Dave Scott on his impressive debut both in contention.
Season 2010-2011
Shevington Sharks 26 Blackbrook 38 (02/04/11)
Despite a couple of defensive lapses Brook had enough pace and power to complete their away campaign this season with a win in an entertaining game at the home of the Sharks.
It was the home side that was the first to register Shevington caught the Brook defence asleep as they took a quick tap penalty in their own half and full back Danny Winrow raced away to score with Johnny Dunn adding the conversion.
Brook soon levelled when they received a penalty for holding down and quick handling produced an overlap for Mark Leonard to send Tommy Cunningham in at the corner Greg Peters landed a superb touchline conversion.
Fifteen minutes into the game Brook hit the lead for the first time Greg Hale broke clear round the blindside of the scrum and released a pass to Darren Forshaw who raced away to score with Peters again converting.
Mid way through the half The Sharks levelled the score Joe Gallagher beat everyone to the ball to score following a downfield kick and Dunn's conversion made it twelve points a piece.
Two tries in three minutes gave Brook some breathing space Mark Leonard took play close to Shevingtons line as Brook built an attack. A peach of pass from Ian Honey sent Andy Tucker between the posts without a finger being laid on him with Peters again converting and Darren Forshaw finished off a handling move to cross for his second beating the cover defence to score in the corner.
On the stroke of half time the Sharks full back Danny Winrow collected an opportunist on the last tackle to score leaving Brook holding onto an eight point advantage.
Five minutes into the second period Brook where in again. Skipper Greg Hale raced through a gap in the home sides defence and rounded Winrow to score a fine individual try which Peters converted.
Shevington would not lie down and scored an unconverted themselves through winger Alan White.
The entertainment continued Brook where soon back building pressure on the Sharks defence and youngster Jordy Welsby who was stepping up from Brook's Under 18’s collected a great offload from Dave Weldon to dive over and score near the corner and then added the conversion himself.
Brook finally put the game to bed when Ian Honey took the final pass from Tommy Cunningham following a handling move down the right hand channel to score Brook's seventh and final try of the afternoon.
There was time for Brook to concede their customary interception try when Alan White took advantage of the gift to race away and score with Dunn converting however it proved to be a consolation effort as Brook held out for the victory.
Ian Honey was selected as The Tisdalls man of the match with Jordy Welsby taking home the players man of the match accolade.
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Halton Simms Cross 26 Blackbrook 22 (26/03/11)
Blackbrook returned from Widnes defeated however they took a lot pride from their performance against the reigning League Champions and very unfortunate not to return with the two points in the bag.
Hooker Ste McDermott opened the scoring for the home side with a close range try converted by Craig Noone.
Undaunted by the early set back Brook where soon on the scoreboard themselves when Sean Richardson threw a long pass out to centre Mark Webster who released a pass to his wingman Darren Forshaw who finished in the corner.
McDermott then made the break and was on hand to take the final pass to score his second converted try in the opening twenty minutes as the home side extended their lead.
Following the score Brook piled on the pressure inspired by Sean Richardson and Ian Honey they came within a whisker of scoring several times; Bobby Littler, Richardson and Mark Leonard were all pulled down in sight of the try line and Tommy Cunningham was forced into touch in goal after crossing the line.
Brook had Simmies rattled and scoring a splendid try on the half hour mark, Darren Forshaw made the initial break from inside his own half his run was halted by the Simms Cross fullback however following a quick play the ball Ian Honey, Ste Marsh and Phil Cunningham were all involved in a move which saw Mark Webster cross in the corner with Chris Springford adding a superb touchline conversion.
It was all Brook and another try before the interval looked likely as they again pinned Simmies on the own line however Jamie Durbin intercepted and raced fully ninety metres for a try against the run of play which Noone converted.
Simmies controversially increased they lead in the opening minutes of the second half, Andy Tucker was penalised ten yards from his own line for playing the ball after the official deemed he had not been tackled, it was clear he had been, Simmies took a quick tap penalty and swept the ball out to Eddie Killganon who scored an unconverted try in the corner.
Brook suffered more bad luck mid way through the half. Simmies forced a repeat set when following a bomb the official ruled Mark Leonard had forced the ball dead however Leonard appeared not to have made a play for the ball. The home side took full advantage when Alan Billington scored their fifth try of the game and increase the lead to Sixteen points.
There seemed no way back, however Brook had other ideas. They where unlucky not to score following a Webster break when Tommy Cunningham was just unable to take a difficult pass.
Dave Weldon did score when he took advantage of an error when Simmies lost possession in their own half Springford added the extras.
Brook where soon back on the attack and Cunningham did cross the line only to called back for a contentious forward pass.
With three minutes left on the clock a long pass from Ian Honey found Weldon who turned the ball inside for Springford to score a try he converted however they run out of time to snatch a victory another five minutes and it could of a different story.
Sean Richardson was selected as The AB Sundecks Man of the Match with Mark Webster picking up the The Tisdalls players man of the match. Both Bobby Littler and Chris Canning impressed after being called into the first team.
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Wigan St Cuthberts 36 Blackbrook 20 (19/03/11)
Brook slumped to their second defeat in three games in a feisty encounter at Wigan.
Lewis Sheridan gave the home side the lead with a early penalty before Brook scored the opening try of the afternoon. Darren Forhaw's tackle forced the error to give his side good field position. Brook switched play to the right channel were Ste Marsh was on hand to send winger Craig Lyon over for an unconverted try.
Brook almost added a second try minutes later Mark Webster got over the line only to dragged back in play and released the ball. The Wiganers came up with the possession and the chance was lost.
The big St Cuthberts pack took control of the game from there on and Brook hardly saw the ball during the next 20 minutes. Curtis Shaw regained the lead with a converted try for the home side.
More pressure led to a second St Cuthberts try from Brett Tavener which Sheridan also converted.
It was Sheridan who created the home sides third try on the half hour mark he chipped over Brook's static defence and regained the ball before sending out a pass for Mike Rutter to score.
Brook got back into the game with a superb try just before the half time break. Dave Weldon made the initial break from inside his own half he found Ste Marsh in support who turned the ball inside for Greg Hale to race away and score. Greg Peters added the conversion.
Brook were confident going into the second period and were soon on the attack. It took a superb last ditch tackle to prevent Craig Littler from scoring.
A needles forward pass gifted possession in a dangerous position to the home side and they took full advantage when Sean Foster crossed for his sides fourth try again goaled by Sheridan.
St Cuthberts stretched their lead to twenty points when Danny Clayton scored the first of two tries both converted by youngster Sheridan.
Brook got one back instantly when Craig Lyon finished brilliantly in the corner however there was to be no great comeback as Clayton scored again when he got a favourable ricochet from his own chip through before scoring.
Brook never gave up trying and scored a late consolation try. It was Greg Hale who made the break, he had Darren Forshaw with him and he released a pass for Mark Webster to score with Chris Canning adding the final conversion of the game.
Ian Honey who as usual was at the hub of most of Brooks attacking play was selected as The Tisdalls man of the match with Ste Marsh picking up The AB Sundecks players man of the match.
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Blackbrook 48 Barrow Island 6 (12/03/11)
Brook returned to winning ways with a nine try romp against The Cumbrians and kept the pressure on Bank Quay at the top of The Premiership.
The home side built up a 22-0 interval lead as they avenged a defeat earlier in the season at the home of The Islanders.
Full Back Tommy Johnson led the way with two tries with Craig Littler also adding a brace.
Further tries came from Phil Cunningham, Greg Hale, Mark Webster, Jon Glover and Danny Fairhurst. Greg Peters added six conversions.
Tommy Johnson was selected as The Tisdalls Man of the Match and also collected the AB Sundecks players Man of the Match just ahead of Craig Littler
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Rylands Sharks 20 Blackbrook 32 (26/02/11)
Brook moved to joint top of The North West Counties Premiership with a hard fought win at their Warrington rivals Rylands.
Blackbrook opened the scoring ten minutes into the game Andy Tucker charged through a big hole in the home team only to be felled a yard short of the line he quickly regained his feet and from the play the ball Ste Marsh moved the play to the left where Mark Webster forced his way for an unconverted try.
Within five minutes Brook struck again with a solo try from Danny Fairhurst. The mercurial half back chipped the ball over the defence into space on the last tackle and dribbled the ball past the Rylands’ full back to score.
Rylands hit back with two converted tries in five minutes to take the lead on the half hour mark, firstly winger Adam Coley stepped inside the cover defence to score and second rower Craig Rigby forced his way from close range Craig White added both conversions.
The home sides lead lasted barely two minutes, Brook regained possession from the re-start and where soon camped on the try line. It was Mark Webster who forced his way again despite the attention of several defenders as Brook ran a power play on the last tackle.
Brook upped the tempo as half time approached, a forced Rylands error handed Brook an attacking scrum deep the sides half Danny Fairhurst broke down the right hand channel and released a superb long pass to centre Tommy Johnson who finished in style in the corner.
Despite four first half tries Brook where hanging on to slender four point lead at half time and Rylands levelled matters in the opening minutes of the second half when Paul Reynolds scored his side’s third try.
Chris Springford landed a penalty goal to edge his team ahead after Rylands were caught interfering at the play the ball.
Brook finally put of daylight between the two sides with Mark Webster’s hat trick try sustained attacking from the visitors brought its reward Chris Springford and Ian Honey had both gone close to scoring before Webster again used his tremendous upper body strength to force his way over the try line from close range Springford’s goal gave Brook an eight point cushion.
Rylands reduced the arrears when winger Colin Wright crossed the corner to set up a grandstand finish.
Greg Peters kicked the ball dead from the re-start forcing Rylands to drop out although their defence kept Brook out a forced error again gave Brook an attacking scrum deep in the Rylands’ half. Peters took play to the blind side of the scrum and was able to get his hands free from the tackle to release the ball to Darren Forshaw who raced away to score.
Brook wrapped the game up in the final minute Ian Honey broke clear from the ruck area he was supported by full back Tommy Cunningham who crossed for his side’s seventh try of the Afternoon.
Ian Honey was selected as The Tisdalls man of the match while hat trick hero Mark Webster picked up the AB Sundecks players man of the match.
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Blackbrook 24 Walney Central 18 (19/02/11)
Blackbrook plucked a victory from the jaws if defeat with three tries in the final ten minutes to remain in the hunt for The North West Counties Premiership title.
The Cents made a bright start to the game and certainly didn’t look a side that are in the bottom two of the league table.
A Brook error gifted good field position and they took their opportunity when centre Andrew Litherland crashed over for the games opener.
Brook's response was quick Craig Lyon made the initial break Greg Hale kept the momentum going he found Ste Marsh in support who handed the ball on to Ian Honey who crossed Chris Springford added the conversion to give his side a two point lead.
Mid way through the half The Cents restored their lead it was Litherland again who scored he was on the end of a Dave Bell kick into the corner.
Brook struggled to make an impression on the game Dave Weldon was tackled just short of the line in their only meaningful attack and it took a superb tackle from Tommy Johnson on Danny Morrow to prevent the visitors from increasing their lead.
The Cumbrians’ however did increase the lead a minute later when centre Adam Nicholson intercepted a pass and race away from half way to score Bells conversion gave the visitors an eight point interval lead.
Brook knew they had to score first in the second period and Skipper Greg Hale got his side back into the game as he stretched out to score from close range.
The home side started to dominate the play but Walney’s determined defence was repelling all Brooks attacking play. The visitors went further ahead when Adam Nicholson intercepted again on the hour mark. He showed Brooks covering defence a clean pair of heels to restore his sides eight point cushion.
Brook got back into the game with ten minutes left on the clock when Darren Forshaw raced onto Danny Fairhurst’s chip kick into the corner.
Brook sensed the victory Forshaw was bundled into touch in goal and Ste Marsh was unable to hold an Ian Honey pass as he surged under the posts. Brook were soon back on the attack and this time Marsh did crash over to score with Chris Springford coolly landing a difficult conversion to edge his side in front with time running out.
The Cents gained possession from the restart for one last assault however Brooks defence held firm before Craig Littler took play into the Cumbrians’ half and Greg Hale sealed the victory with his second try of the game.
Ian Honey was selected as The Tisdalls Man of the Match with Ste Marsh picking up The AB Sundecks players accolade with Greg Hale also in contention.
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Blackbrook 38 Wigan St Cuthberts 6 (12/02/11)
Brook moved into second place in The North West Counties Premiership Division with a comfortable victory over their Wigan rivals.
All the early pressure came from the home side however St Cuthberts defended doggedly their line to frustrate Brook’s attack.
The pressure finally paid off when Dave Weldon’s perfectly angled run onto Greg Hale’s pass brought about the opening try with Chris Springford adding the conversion.
The Wiganers got themselves back into the game and thought they had levelled when Phil De Burgh steamed onto a pass and go under the posts only for the pass to be rightly called forward.
Brook increased their advantage mid way through the half Ian Honey sent Ste Marsh on a charging run to the line. Marsh was held up but managed to release a return to Honey who scored with ease.
Despite their superiority it was ten minutes into the second period before Brook added to the score. A Ste Marsh break took play deep into The Cuthberts half. The visitors held out briefly however Brook kept the momentum going and were rewarded when a Danny Fairhurst pass put Marsh over for the try which Springford converted.
Cuthberts found a way back into the game when De Burgh crashed over to score with Lewis Sherridan converting.
Brook however soon put an end to any hopes of come back. Ian Honey broke clear of a tackle to set up the position for the supporting Tommy Cunningham to send Craig Littler over to score.
The visitors began to tire and great play from the home side had the Wiganers defence all at sea Skipper Greg Hale was on hand to send Chris Springford under the posts for a try that Springford duly converted.
Outstanding handling support play produced Brook’s next score following another Ste Marsh break the ball passed through several pairs of hands before Springford sent Tommy Cunningham over for a converted try.
Craig Lyon tip toed his way over in the corner following a Craig Littler break to score his side’s seventh and final try of the Afternoon. Chris Springford brought the game to an end with a superb touchline conversion.
Winger Darren Forshaw who was a handful all Afternoon was selected as The Tisdalls man of the match with prop Ste Marsh collecting the AB Sundecks players man of the match.
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Drighlington 11 Blackbrook 10 (National Cup R2, 05/02/11)
A controversial drop goal in the 102nd minute of a pulsating cup tie ended Brook’s interest in this season’s National Cup competition. Ryan Jackson’s Golden Point winner appeared to sale wide of the upright but with the home sides players and spectators already celebrating the referee signalled the kick was good and the game ended.
Brook started the better of the two teams a Mark Webster break took play into the home sides half however first class defence from Drigh kept the score line blank. Brook maintained their attacks and Danny Fairhurst was smothered under several defenders as he almost went in under the posts.
Brook edged in front with a Chris Springford penalty in the twelfth minute after Drigh were caught interfering at the play the ball. Unfortunately Brook’s lead did not last too long it was Drighs turn to mount up the pressure on their visitors and following a repeat set of six tackles they created an overlap for Wingman Tom Moorby to score.
Brook’s best chance of the half came on the half hour mark however Sean Richardson’s pass to Scott Lyon was adjudged to have drifted forward and the chance was lost.
Just before half time Drig increased their lead Winger Sean Coughlan and Ryan Jackson exchanged passes and broke clear down the right hand channel with Coughlan finishing off the move with a try in the corner.
It was an intense game with few chances as both teams defence was excelling. Brook finally got the try they deserved 15 minutes from the end of normal time Chris Springford released a superb pass for Danny Fairhurst who scored beneath the posts and Springford’s conversion levelled the scores. Two minutes later Brook edged in front again when Springfield coolly landed a penalty for dissent by a home side player.
A great cover tackle from Tommy Cunningham on winger Moorby was needed as Drig endeavoured to get back into the game and as the pressure mounted and the time was running out you could sense a penalty might come their way and it duly arrived on 78 minutes and Mark Sanderson levelled the scores to take the game into extra time.
Drighlington had the best opportunity to score during the extra time period however superb scrambling defence held the home side man inches short of the line as the Drig claimed the try.
The score line remained at ten points each so the game entered The Golden Point stage and Ryan Jackson had the first opportunity of a chance of a drop goal and the game controversially came to its result.
Ian Honey was selected as The Tisdalls man of the Match with Dave Weldon who tackled everything that moved was the AB Sundecks players Man of the Match.
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Blackbrook 28 Shevington Sharks 4 (15/01/11)
Brook had to battle all the way to take the spoils in a feisty encounter at Boardmans Lane.
It all seemed too easy though when Sean Richardson sent Ste Marsh through a big gap to score the opening try in the first minute of the game.
Brook might have scored again minutes later following an Ian Honey break however the Sharks held out and put some pressure on the home side's defence. Blackbrook defence had certainly improved from the previous week and comfortably repelled the visitors attacking play.
It was the home side that struck next Sean Richardson forced his way over the try line only to be held up without grounding the ball. Brook quickly re-started the game and Mark Webster found Jon Glover running a superb line to an unconverted try.
Brook increased their lead with the best try of the game on the half hour mark. Ian Honey again broke clear of the defence, he had Mark Webster in support who released a pass to supporting full back Toomy Cunningham who was able to stretch out and score under the posts despite the attention of Shevington's scrambled defenders. Tommy Johnson added the conversion this time.
The Sharks came briefly back into the game and just before half time a downfield kick was chased by full back Danny Winrow who out paced Brook's defence to score in the corner.
Mark Webster was unlucky not to increase his sides lead early in the second half, the ball escaped his grasp as he stretched out to score following great build up play from Ste Marsh and Sean Richardson.
Brook did soon add their fourth try when Danny Fairhurst made the initial break, he found Ste Marsh in support who was hauled down just short of the line. Following a quick play the ball Danny Fairhurst dived under the posts to score with Chris Springford converting.
Farirhurst followed up with his second try with ten minutes left on the clock. A towering bomb in the rain was well taken under his posts by Sharks full back Winrow, however he was met by Brook's contingent of chasers and the ball came free for Fairhurst to pick up and score the easiest of tries with Springford again converting.
Ian Honey who again controlled the game from the ruck area was selected as The Tisdalls man of the match with centres Tommy Johnson and Mark Webster sharing the AB Sundecks players man of the match.
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Blackbrook 46, Ashton Bears 30 (08/01/11)
Defences were definitely not on top as Brook and Ashton shared 76 points in 80 minutes of attacking rugby however with both teams looked rusty as they were playing their first game in several weeks.
Brook hit the lead within two minutes when Greg Peters inside pass found Ste Marsh who scored with Peters adding the conversion. Brook increased their lead minutes later following a period of pressure from Ashton. Brook cleared their line before centre Tom Johnson burst through from half way, Johnson had too much pace and scored a brilliant individual try.
The home side increased their lead further with the third try in the opening fifteen minutes. It was Sean Richardson that made the initial break he was supported by Ian Honey who switched play to the left channel. Brook kept the ball alive and finished off a superb handling move when Mark Webster turned the ball inside for Darren Forshaw to race under the posts to score with Peters adding the conversion.
Ashton hit back with two tries in five minutes. Caine Thompson chipped over Brook’s defence to collect the ball and score before centre Dave Rothwell rose above everyone else to take a cross field kick and score. Phil Schmecel added both the goals.
On the half hour mark Ian Honey supported a Ste Marsh break to edge Brook further ahead with Greg Peters adding the goal however an error from the re-start gave the visitors opportunity to attack and Stuart Spruce took the advantage and forced his way over the try line with Schmecel reducing the arrears to only 4 points at the interval.
Ten minutes into the second period Brook increased their lead when Tommy Cunningham scored a try following good approach play from Ste Marsh and Ian Honey. The Bears came again instantly from the re-start when Tom Hopkins intercepted a pass to race away and score a converted try.
The games third try in five minutes followed, Sean Richardson collected the ball from kick off to gain possession for his side, Jon Glover took play towards the Ashton try line before Craig Lyon crossed to score. Brook increased the lead when Jon Glover again made the hard yards before Ian Honey and Tom Johnson combined to send Dave Weldon over to score. Chris Springford added the goal from the touchline.
Ashton would not lie down and came back again with Caine Thompson’s second converted try.
Brook finally put the game beyond their visitors with two tries in as many minutes. Darren Forshaw cleared his own try line before Ste Marsh sent Ian Honey over for his second try with Springford converting. Danny Fairhurst then scored following a Greg Hale break.
Ian Honey was selected as The Tisdalls man of the match with Darren Forshaw picking up the AB Sundecks players man of the match.
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Blackbrook 10 Widnes West Bank 16 (Lancs Cup SF) (27/11/10)
A superb defensive effort from West Bank left Brook disappointed as they crashed out of The Lancashire Cup at the semi final stage.
It all started well for the home side Centre Tommy Johnson broke clear from half way and raced in to score an unconverted try in only the fifth minute.
Widnes came back well and it took a great defensive cover tackle to bundle lively Stand Off David Jones into touch at the corner flag. The visitors kept the momentum going and scored when Hooker Greg Pitchilingi scored from close range with Steven Mellor edging his side in front with the conversion.
Relentless pressure from Brook finally paid off when Loose Forward Dave Weldon went through a gap under the posts to score with Tommy Johnson adding the goal.
Five minutes into the second half west Bank levelled when a speculative kick on the last bounced high from the hard pitch and over Brooks defenders into the arms of Shaun Gilmore who scored the try.
Brook turned up the pressure again but found the visitors a tough nut to crack. Ian Honey was at the hub of Brooks attacking play which had Craig Littler held up over the line Darren Forshaw pulled down by a superb tackle from Full back Mellor. Littler again Ste Marsh and Danny Fairhurst all went close to scoring.
Brook spurned a penalty kick at goal but West Bank edged in front with ten minutes on the clock when Tommy Arrowsmith landed a penalty. Brook did get a chance to level however Johnsons 40 metre kick sailed just wide of the posts.
West Bank wrapped up their famous victory with a try in the final minute David Jones broke clear from inside his own half and put a chip kick into the corner for Wingman Nicky Fox who collected and scored the simplest of tries.
Ian Honey was The Tisdalls Man of the Match for Brook with Craig Litller collecting the AB Sundecks Players Man of the Match
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Blackbrook 14 Pilkington Recs 31 (Premiership Cup) (20/11/10)
A second hat trick from Pilks Stand Off Ryan Rogers dumped Blackbrook out of this Seasons Premiership Cup as The City Road men gained revenge for their recent League defeat by Brook.
It all started well for Brook when Ian Honey and Sean Richardson combined to send Mark Webster over for the opening try.
PIlks hit back immediately when Ryan McPaul scored after Brook had conceded field position with two successive penalties Ste Rawathorne edged his side ahead with the conversion.
Mid way through the half Brook regained their lead when Tommy Cunningham and Greg Peters kept the play the ball alive and found Darren Forshaw who went over for an unconverted try in the corner.
On the half hour mark Pilks hit the lead again when Second Row man John Rees scored and on the half time whistle a Ste Rawsthorne penalty gave his side a slender four point lead.
Two tries and a drop goal from Rogers and a Rawsthorne conversion in the opening Fifteen minutes of the second period effectively sealed the game for his side as Pilks extended their advantage to Fifteen points.
A Kyle Bethell try and a Tommy Johnson briefly gave Brook some hope however Rogers completed his hat trick and a conversion and last minute penalty from Rawsthorne sealed a comprehensive victory for the visitors.
Ian Honey was selected as The Tisdalls Man of the Match with Darren Forshaw picking up the AB Sundecks players Man of the Match. Ryan Rogers picked up the accolade for Pilkingtons
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Blackbrook 26 Rylands Sharks 22 (Lancs Cup QF) (13/11/10)
A took a last minute Danny Fairhurst try to send Brook through to the Lancashire Cup Semi Final. The game had everything, great tries two stunning come backs and drama right through to the climax of the game which seem destined for extra time before Fairhurst’s vital score.
Brook started the match brilliantly, an Ian Honey break from dummy half almost brought the opening try and moments later Ste Marsh stretched out to score but the line was just too far away. The pressure mounted and Craig Littler had the ball knocked from his grasp over the try line.
Brook’s pressure finally paid off as Brook mounted another attack. Sean Richardson released a pass to Kyle Bethell who forced his way over the try line despite the attentions of several defenders.
Minutes later a kick through almost brought another Brook score. Tommy Cunningham was unlucky not to score as he was unable to gather the ball following a kick towards the posts.
Kyle Bethell added his second try mid way through the half when a speculative chip over the defence paid dividends as he collected his kick to score a great try.
Brook soon added their third try. Ian Honey made the initial break he was supported by Craig Litter who sent Chris Tyrer away outpacing the covering defence. Tom Johnson added the conversion to stretch his sides lead to 14 points.
After 35 minutes Rylands had their first meaningful attack and duly scored. Loose forward Reynolds released the ball in a tackle and the visitors moved the ball out to winger Jordan Stephenson who scored with Craig White adding the goal from the touch line.
Rylands where back on Brook’s line again minutes later and White scored from a move at dummy half reducing the arrears to only 4 points at the interval.
The Warrington outfit completed their comeback minutes into the second period when wingman Kyle Cherratt collected a high kick into the corner to touch down with White again converting from the touch line.
Fifteen minutes into the half Rylands increased their lead to 8 points with an individual try from White this time converted by Ash Cornelia.
Brook needed to step up a gear or face going out of the competition.They forced an error and laid the platform for Kyle Bethell to complete his hat trick of tries. Minutes later Brook levelled the game. Superb handling across the full width of the pitch made the space for centre Tom Johnson to exploit and score in the corner.
Rylands had their chances to snatch the lead again with two drop goal attempts in the closing stages with one effort from White rebounding back off an upright.
Substitute Phil Thompson almost snatched the win for Brook however he was unlucky not to be able to gather a Greg Hale kick to the line.
Brook set themselves up for one final attack. The pack took play to the 20 metre line where Danny Fairhurst collected possession and charged for the try line and was able to ground the ball for the winner.
Three try man Kyle Bethell was selected as The Tisdalls man of the match with Darren Forshaw picking the AB Sundecks players accolade. Brook’s reward is a Semi Final game at home to this seasons surprise package Widnes West Bank on the 27th November.
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Blackbrook 38 Halton Simms Cross 16 (06/11/10)
Premier League Champions Simms Cross fell to their heaviest defeat in a number of years as Brook produced a first half performance of scintillating attacking rugby. The home side ran in 26 unanswered points scoring five tries past the Widnes outfits bewildered defence.
Both sides had an opportunity to score early on in the game a forward pass to Simmies’ winger Kris Kavanagh wasted a chance before Mark Webster was pulled down close to the line as Brook counter attacked.
Brook’s forwards began to dominate the middle and with quick play the balls, Ian Honey was causing havoc from acting half back. Danny Fairhurst and Ste Marsh were stopped just short of the try line as the pressure mounted. Simmies did well to hold out however Brook were soon back on their try line.
Sean Richardson was also close to scoring before a Simmies error gave Brook the advantage with an attacking scrum. It was Richardson who found Jon Glover running a great line to go under the posts unopposed for the opening try with Chris Springford adding the conversion.
The home side increased their lead mid way through the half, Greg Hale chip kicked the ball behind the defence Andy Tucker kicked the ball on for Centre Tommy Johnson who reacted quicker than anyone to collect and score an unconverted try.
Within two minutes Brook increased their lead with a superb individual try from prop Alan Shea. Simmies were caught offside giving Brook a penalty from which Shea received a pass from the re-start and he was unstoppable in a forty metre charge to the line and stepped around the full back in style before scoring. Springford again added the conversion.
Simmies came back into the game and put Brook’s defence under a great deal of pressure. Twice Darren Forshaw collected high bombs into the corner and came away with great clearing runs.
Two tries in the final ten minutes underlined Brook superiority. A great break from Ian Honey paved the way for Danny Fairhurst to finish off with a try under the posts which this time Johnson converted. Johnson finished off the half with his second try, again he collected a chip kick though from Greg Hale which evaded the Simmies wingman.
Brook started the second period as they finished the first, Sean Richardson took play close to the visitors line before Alan Shea and Ste Marsh combined to send Greg Hale over for the try which Johnson converted.
Simmies finally recorded a try when winger Alan Billington found the space to score in the corner.
Greg Hale hit back for Brook with his second as he slipped out of a tackle to score by the posts with Springford adding the extras.
Simms Cross made the score line look more respectable with two late tries. Prop Mick Randall forced his way over and was soon followed by Ryan Millington who scored following a break down the left hand channel. Millington converted both tries.
Greg Hale was selected as both The Tisdalls man of the match and The AB Sundecks players man of the match with Ian Honey and Danny Fairhurst both in contention.
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Blackbrook 14 Pilkington Recs 0 (23/10/10)
Brook bounced back following their previous weeks defeat with their best performance of the season to claim a sweet victory against their fiercest of local rivals.
Despite the low score line both teams put in a tremendously brave effort with excellent defensive qualities on show from the beginning to the final whistle.
Brook and Pilks both had early opportunities before the home side scored the opening try fifteen minutes into the game. Sean Richardson followed up a high kick to put pressure on the Pilks’ full back forcing an error and giving Brook an attacking scrum 20 metres out. Brook moved the play to the right centre Tommy Johnson and Greg Hale were both pulled down just before the try line.
The home side quickly played the ball to Chris Springford whose clever inside pass found prop Ste Marsh who was able to touch down despite Pilks best efforts to hold him up Springford added the conversion.
Brook’s forwards were dominating the middle of the park. Alan Shea and Sean Richardson both made breaks that might have lead to tries.
Pilks certainly had their moments, Liam Bostock was always dangerous had he was well supported by Loughlin and Rafferty.
Brook almost increased their lead when Kyle Bethell crossed the line only to be held up by determined Pilks defenders.
Bethell did score five minutes into the second half following a period of pressure from the visitors. Mark Webster made initial break to take the play into Pilks’ territory. Brook kept the momentum going with Ste Marsh who made a superb run towards the posts before slipping a brilliant pass for Kyle Bethell to score under the posts with Springford adding the extras.
Pilks strived to get themselves back into the game and they had Brook’s defence stretched and when winger Jon Frodsham seemed likely to score in the corner before Darren Forshaw bundled him into touch with a brilliant last ditch cover tackle.
Greg Hale relieved the pressure on Brook’s defence with a series of long range kicks making Pilks start their sets from their own line.
Brook finally put the game to bed in the final couple of minutes, Chris Springford kicked a penalty to put the game of reach.
Prop Ste Marsh deservedly picked up The Tisdalls man of the match award just ahead of Greg Hale while Darren Forshaw and Chris Springford shared the AB Sundecks players man of the match. Liam Bostock was the standout player for Pilkingtons.
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Bank Quay Bulls 30 Blackbrook 14 (16/10/10)
The Bulls ran in 24 unanswered points in as many minutes during a white hot second spell to condemn Brook to their second defeat of the season.
Both teams had spells of early pressure however it was the home side that took the lead seventeen minutes into the match when a speculative kick on the last tackle luckily ricocheted into the hand of Anthony Braid who touched down and also added the conversion.
Brook levelled before the half hour Greg Hale spotted a huge gap behind the Bulls defence, he chipped over into the clear space to collect and score with Chris Springford converting.
Both sides had chances to extend the lead before half time, an Ian Honey break led to great chance that was stubbed out by the Bulls defence and a it took a superb Andy Tucker tackle right on half time to keep the home side out.
Tommy Johnson edged Brook ahead with a penalty early in the second half however Anthony Braid soon levelled with a penalty for the home side.
Brook lost possession from an attacking scrum and soon after Bank Quay regained their lead with a Nick Braid try converted by Anthony Braid.
The Bulls took control with two further Braid penalties and a converted try from prop Phil Braddish.
Things got worse for Brook as winger Ste Caley intercepted a pass and raced 90 metres for a try which Chris Forster converted.
A late try and conversion from centre Tommy Johnson was only consolation for Brook.
A superb break from Greg Hale almost pulled another score back for Brook however the home sides scrambling defence held out.
Ian Honey was selected as The Tisdalls man of the match and also The AB Sundecks players man of the match with Greg Hale and Craig Littler in contention.
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Blackbrook 54 Shevington Sharks 8 (Lancs Cup R1) (09/10/10)
Brook eased their win into the next round of this season’s Lancashire Cup with a ten try romp against their Wigan rivals.
An early score from Craig Littler who forced way over from close range setting the scoreboard clicking. Brook soon added to the lead Jon Glover made the initial break and great support play lead to Greg Hale chipping the ball into acres of space for Tommy Cunningham to collect and go over to score with Chris Springford adding the first of his seven conversions.
Shevington came briefly back into the game and following a repeat set of tackles Luke Murphy scored an unconverted try.
The home side extended their lead minutes later when Greg Hale and Darren Forshaw exchanged passes down the left hand channel with Forshaw taking the final pass to score.
Direct from the restart Brook were in again, Chris Tyrer broke clear from inside his own half and sold a perfect dummy to the Shevington Full Back before sending Ian Honey over to score.
On the half hour mark Brook were in again this time prop Alan Shea was on the end of an Ian Honey pass and he was unstoppable from close range.
The second half opened with Brook again dominating the game and it wasn’t long before they increased their lead, Sean Richardson produced a delicate chip kick over the try line for Craig Littler to pounce for his second.
The visitors collected the ball from the restart and added their second try when prop Phil Cheetham bulldozed his way over.
Shevington did not have much respite when soon after their score Tommy Cunningham broke clear and he was supported by Greg Hale who went over to score. Brook missed other scoring opportunities before Greg Hale went in for his second try following a dazzling Forshaw break.
The home side scored again direct from the restart this time it was centre Tommy Johnson who was making his debut that broke clear from deep inside his own half he was supported by Alan Shea who turned the ball inside for Tommy Cunningham to go over for his second try.
Brook brought the half century of points with a try in the final minute Alan Shea crossed for his second following a kick and chase from Kyle Bethell.
Danny Fairhurst was selected as The Tisdalls Man of the Match with new comer Tommy Johnson picking up the AB Sundecks award as the players Man of the Match.
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Walney Central 14 Blackbrook 20 (02/10/10)
A last minute try from Darren Forshaw on his return to the club ensured Brook returned from Cumbria with both points following a tight encounter.
Forced to travel to Barrow on Grand Final Day Brook had to make several changes to their line up and included Coach Mark Lee on the bench.
Prop Ste Marsh forced his way over to give Brook the lead with Chris Springford adding the goal. Walney levelled with a converted try of their own before stand off Greg Hale restored Brook’s lead with a try before half time Ste Marsh added the conversion this time.
The home side levelled again early in the second half with their second converted try.
The two sides swapped penalties as the nip and tuck continued with Springford landing Brooks goal.
A draw seemed the likely result as the game entered its closing stages. Brook were awarded a penalty inside their own half and launched one final attack.
Sean Richardson and Ste Marsh made inroads towards the Barrow teams try line.
Centre Mark Webster fed wingman Darren Forshaw who twisted and turned out of a tackle to go over for the winning score, Springford added the conversion for good measure.
Sean Richardson was selected as the AB Sundecks Man of the Match with Mark Lee picking up the Tisdalls players Man of the Match.
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Ashton Bears 18 Blackbrook 24 (25/09/10)
Brook left it late however three tries in the final twelve minutes saw them come from behind to snatch victory.
A Kyle Bethell break was Brook’s only meaningful attack in the opening fifteen minutes as Ashton had most of the possession and the visitors defence had to be at its best to keep them out. A Phil Schmechel penalty was all Ashton had to show for their endeavours.
Brook finally got into attacking mode mid way through the half with forwards Sean Richardson and Ste Marsh taking play and this time the home side’s defence had to the at its best to hold their visitors out.
Brook’s introduction of substitute forwards Alan Shea and Dale Holdstock added power to their attack as they began to take control. One charging run from Holdstock towards to post dragged in four defenders to keep him out however a quick play the ball had the Ashton defence stretched and Adam Twamley forced his way for the opening try. Chris Springford added the conversion.
A Dave Weldon break set Brook on the attack from the restart, Ashton held out but an error after taking possession gave Brook an tacking scrum. Kyle Bethell made good yards before releasing a superb pass to supporting full back Tommy Cunningham who scored an unconverted try to give his side an eight point interval lead.
Ashton turned the game around with three tries in the opening ten minutes of the second half. Loose forward Danny Smith spotted a gap and raced in from 30 metres out to score with Schmechel converting. Directly from the restart Smith sent winger Caine Thompson clear, he showed Brook’s defence a clean pair of heels and scored from deep inside his own half with Schmechel again converting.
Thompson soon added his second forcing his way over in the corner leaving Brook reeling as an eight point lead had quickly turned into an eight point deficit.
With Twelve minutes left Brook finally got back into the game, Greg Peters chipped ball into space over the defenders for Tommy Cunningham to collect and score a well taken try with Springford adding the goal. Brook had their tails up and with Scott Lyon and Springford exposing Ashton’s defence down the right hand channel Brook sensed victory.
Great handling had the Ashton defence all at sea and a Springford pass to Lyon sent the wingman over to restore Brook’s lead with time running out.
Brook sealed the victory in the last minute as Springford and Lyon combined again before Lyon released the ball from a despairing tackle for Ian Honey to score.
Strong running forward Alan Shea was selected as The Tisdalls Man of the match with Tommy Cunningham picking up the AB Sundecks players man of the mtach.
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Chester 6 Blackbrook "A" 22 (18/09/10)
Brook’s A team remain undefeated this season however they were made to battle by a resolute Chester outfit and it was two tries in as many minutes late in the game that finally clinched the success.
Centre Adam Twamley opened the scoring after fifteen minutes, he was on hand to collect a ricochet following a Greg Peters kick towards the posts on the last tackle. Chris Canning converted.
Five minutes Chester were level again, a kick on the last set up the try with home sides stand off pouncing to score with Brook’s defence looking hesitant.
Brook however soon regained their lead, great handling in wet conditions had the Chester defence stretched allowing winger Glynn McKeirnan to score an unconverted try in the corner.
McKeirnan was also on hand to clear the danger as Chester looked likely to score as half time approached.
The rain continued throughout the second half and both teams struggled to hold onto possession. With only ten minutes left on the clock Brook sealed the game. Firstly it was Gareth Molyneux who had enough pace to beat the covering defence to score wide out on the right hand side with Canning adding a superb touch line conversion.
Direct from the restart Brook scored again. Greg Peters launched the ball into open field for Stephen Parkinson to chase, the wingman reached the ball first and his angled kick
held up between the posts for him to score with Canning again converting.
Danny Beckett who led Brook around the pitch all Afternoon was selected as the Astley Sands Man of the Match with Adam Mitchell and Greg Peters in contention
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Barrow Island 16 Blackbrook 14 (11/09/10)
A late Matt Parkinson penalty goal left Brook disappointed to lose a game that they should have won comfortably.
Brook wasted a host of chances and all of the Islanders points came after Brook had gifted possession. Brook’s first meaningful attack saw Scott Lyon bundled into touch at the corner flag and minutes later Craig Littler and Greg Hale combined to break clear down the left hand channel only for the final pass to go to ground and the chance was lost.
A great break from Dave Weldon had Brook on the Barrow try line again however the visitors again could not turn their pressure into points.
The Islanders big forwards began to get a roll on down the huge slope, Brook’s defence had to be good to withstand the pressure.
Midway through the half Brook lost possession deep in their own half and with the defensive line stretched Barrow swept play to the left for centre Sam Jones to score an unconverted try.
Barrow soon increased their lead when wingman Ben Garner intercepted a pass inside his own half to race away and score under the posts with Parkinson converting.
A great catch and break from Tommy Cunningham should have brought a try for the visitors, Greg Hale supported Cunningham’s break and seemed likely to score before the ball unfortunately bobbled out of his hands.
Brook finally got on the score board with the last play of the half, a strong run from Jon Glover set up the position for Greg Peters to send Chris Tyrer on a jinking run to the try line. Peters also added the conversion.
Brook hit the lead in the opening minutes of the second half, Glover grabbed possession and again set up a good position for his team and centre Mark Webster took advantage to force his way with Peters again converting.
Five minutes later Brook thought they had extended the lead when Tyrer powered between the posts only for Danny Fairhurst’s pass to be dubiously ruled forward.
Brook squandered possession again in their own half and the Islanders hooker Rick Chatfield regained the lead for his side with a close range try.
Craig Litter and Craig Lyon both went close to scoring as Brook strived to take home the two points however Barrow full back Neil Norman denied both efforts.
Greg Peters converted a penalty to level the scores with five minutes remaining however Brook needlessly conceded a penalty whilst in possession for Parkinson to hit the winner.
Greg Peters was selected as The Tisdalls man of the match with Tommy Cunningham collecting the AB Sundecks players man of the match.
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Blackbrook 24 Rylands Sharks 18 (04/09/10)
Blackbrook enjoyed their return to the Kukri North West Counties elite as they edged out their opponents in a stunning end to end tussle. The final outcome was in doubt until the final seconds of the game when Scott Lyon crossed for his second try.
Following a bright start to the game with both teams having spells of pressure it was the home side that crossed to get the scoreboard ticking over. Loose forward Dave Weldon broke clear from a scrum on the half way Brook moved the ball out right where Scott Lyon threw out a superb inside pass just before being bundled into touch. Centre, Mark Webster finished off the move forcing his way over the try line.
A succession of penalties found Brook defending their own line and they finally succumbed when second rower Matty Taylor stretched out to score.
On the half hour mark Brook regained the lead, prop Chris Tyrer came on a barnstorming run half way out, Brook kept the momentum going when Chris Springford fed Scott Lyon who raced clear from 40 metres for a superb try with Springford adding the conversion.
Rylands hit back again right on the half time whistle, Brook gifted possession and were made to pay when a kick towards the posts fell into the had of Anthony Rourke who scored and also added the conversion to level the scores.
Brook hit the lead for the third time ten minutes into the second half following a break from Kyle Bethell. It was Craig Littler who spotted the opportunity to kick the ball into clear space behind the Rylands defence and Greg Hale followed up to collect the ball and score with Springford again converting.
Rylands would not go away and were soon back putting pressure on Brook’s line and following a repeat set it was prop Matty Wilson who forced his way for an unconverted try.
Brook seemed to wrap the game up 10 minutes from time when Chris Tyrer intercepted a loose pass deep inside the visitors half. Craig Littler was pulled down a yard before the line before winger Craig Lyon held off the attention of three defenders to force his way over.
The visitors came again and with only five minutes remaining. Anthony Rourke crossed for his brace however his shot at goal missed leaving Brook hanging on to a slender two point lead.
Brook finally sealed the game when poor discipline from the visitors allowed the home side to set one final attack. Phil Thompson switched direction of play and winger Scott Lyon had plenty of space to cross for his brace and seal the victory.
Ian Honey who was as dangerous as ever and involved in all Brook’s attacking play was named as The Tisdalls Man of the Man with Chris Tyrer picking up the AB Sundecks players man of the match
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Blackbrook "A" 72 Fitton Hill 7 (04/09/10)
Brooks Second team began life in Division Six with a 14 try romp against newcomers Fitton Hill.
Ryan Klemp crossed for a hat trick whilst scrum half and The Astley Sands man of the match Danny Beckett scored four.
Season 2009-2010
Bold 0 Blackbrook 26 (01/05/10)
Division One Champions Blackbrook completed their Season with derby victory at the home of local rivals Bold.
Defences were on top in the opening quarter with both sides putting in a huge effort despite the fact nothing would change regarding the final league placing of the two clubs.
Two tries in four minutes from the 25 minute mark gave Brook the advantage.
Full Back Tommy Cunningham raced clear from a deft pass from Danny Fairhurst to open the scoring with Chris Springford adding the extras.
Consecutive penalties soon had Brook back on attack deep into Bold territory and superb
handling had the Bold defence stretched. Brook Centre Mark Webster fed Winger Craig Lyon who went over to score despite the efforts of two Bold defenders.
Five minutes in to the second period Brook increased their lead. Ian Honey broke clear from half way Honey and Greg Hale exchanged passes before Hale went under the posts to score with Springford adding the conversion.
Ten minutes later Brook put the game beyond doubt with their fourth try of the Afternoon. It was Kyle Bethell who paved the way for Dave Weldon to go over for a well taken try in the corner with Springford adding the goal from the touch line.
Two minutes before the end Brook won an attacking scrum and moved the ball left were speedy young Winger Adam Swift was on hand to finish in the corner.
Ian Honey picked up the award for The Tisdalls man of the match and also The Motorhouse players man of the match ahead of Chris Tyrer and Sean Richardson.
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Oldham St Annes 22 Blackbrook 24 (17/04/10)
It took an 80th minute wonder try from young Blackbrook winger Adam Swift and a touchline conversion from Chris Springford to secure the two vital league points and keep their side on course for The Division One Championship.
St Anne’s went in front after 10 minutes a handling move down their right channel was finished off by winger Graeme Sykes with Kevin Collins adding the conversion.
Brook soon levelled when Sykes was forced into touch deep inside his own half giving the visitors good field position from the attacking scrum. As Brook pressed Danny Fairhurst worked his magic sending Danny Davies over for the try which Chris Springford converted.
Midway through the half Brook hit the lead when Phil Thompson sent prop Ste Marsh racing away forty metres from the try line. Marsh had the confidence in his pace and ability to take on the Oldham full back to score and also added the conversion.
The lead didn’t last too long, a speculative kick on the last tackle from Oldham fell into the arms of Greg Worrall after Brook’s defence failed to deal with the loose ball Collins added the conversion.
Back came the visitors again, Brook had the Oldham defence stretched and it was a pass from Barry McGilvray that found Danny Davies in space and he finished in style with Marsh adding a splendid conversion from wide out.
Brook now looked to stamp their authority on the game but failed to take advantage and conceded a soft try as St Anne’s Loose Forward Ryan Grumbridge forced his way from close range for an unconverted try.
The second half was a completed contract to the first as both sides tightened their defences; Chances were few and far between. Oldham had the majority of the possession including several repeat sets.
Brook’s best chance to wrap the game up fell to Tommy Cunningham who chased a downfield kick however an unlucky bounce of the ball prevented him from touching down.
Blackbrook were rocked with six minutes remaining when Oldham Stand Off Garry Rafferty went through a gap in the defence to score. Collins goal gave his side a four point lead.
With less than a minute to go Brook had possession from a scrum deep inside their own half the visitors kept the ball alive before Kyle Bethell made the initial break. He had Adam Swift in support who took his pass before rounding his opposite number and racing away from the cover defence and despite a desperate attempt to save the try Swift evaded the Oldham fullback to score in the corner.
Chris Springford stepped up to slot over the match winning conversion from the touch line.
Adam Swift was selected as The Tisdalls man of the match with hard working Barry McGilvray picking up The Motorhouse players man of the match
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Blackbrook 12 Leigh East 38 (National Cup R5)(10/04/10)
Brook bowed out of The National Cup at the fifth round stage however it took a first class performance from arguably the best amateur team in the county to dispose of the giant killers in this season’s competition.
Easts showed all their class in the opening ten minutes with both centres running in converted tries. Gavin Hunter scored the opener after only five minutes and soon after Gareth Pemberton doubled his sides lead with Ryan Peters adding both conversions.
Brook’s forwards led by Sean Richardson, Jimmy Forshaw and Ste Marsh all worked overtime in an effort to get Brook back into the game. Both Danny Davies and Scott Lyon were not far away from reaching Danny Fairhurst’s kicks over the try line however Leigh came away without conceding.
Easts turned defence into attack, Gary Middlehurst and Daniel Kilshaw were both involved in a break which led to full back Ryan Fieldhouse going between the posts for his sides third try with Peters again converting.
Brook’s best chance came soon after, it was thundering break from Kyle Bethell that raised the hopes however the Leigh defence recovered to snuff out the danger.
With half time approaching a repeat set gave Leigh plenty of possession near Brook’s try line and Gary Middlehurst took advantage to cross for his second of the Afternoon.
Brook almost scored on the stroke of half time when wingman Stephen Parkinson seemed to be impeded as he looked favourite to reach another chip kick over the try line however nothing was given and Easts took a 22 point interval lead.
Brook got their reward three minutes into the second half when Paul Fass was quick to react to Leigh East loosing possession and set his side on the attack. Barry McGilvray was felled by a high tackle under the posts and Brook quickly restarted the play and fed out to the right hand side were Danny Davies stretched out over the line to score. Chris Springford added the extras.
Easts responded and it took a great try saving tackle from Tommy Cunningham to prevent Gareth Pemberton from scoring.
Midway through the half Brook struck again and a comeback was on the cards.
Brook won an attacking scrum 30 metres from the Leigh try line, Chris Springford chipped over the static defence and Cunningham won the race for the ball and crossed the try line. Springford’s conversion reduced the arrears to only 10 points.
Unfortunately it was as close as Brook could get. Daniel Kilshaw eased his side’s worries as he picked up a loose ball and crossed following a Brook error to score with only twelve minutes remaining on the clock.
The try knocked the stuffing out of Brook and their brave challenge had faltered.
Fieldhouse and Middlehurst both ran in late tries converted by Peters to give the visitors a flattering final score line.
Jimmy Forshaw was selected as The Tisdalls Man of The Match with Barry McGilvray collecting The Motorhouse players accolade.
Brook have had a magnificent Cup Run but will now turn their attentions to winning promotion back into The Premiership Division of The North West Counties.
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Blackbrook 24 Haydock 14 (06/04/10)
Brook emerged victors from their second consecutive derby game in wild and wet conditions.
As the previous week Brook had to dig deep to come away with two more vital league points.
The home side took the lead after only 6 minutes following good work from Ste Marsh. Brook fed the ball to winger Danny Davies who had the pace to go over in the corner.
Haydock soon levelled when loose forward Karl Cheetham went through a gap in the defence to score.
Mid way though the half Brook regained the lead when Scott Lyon and Sean Richardson had both been pulled down just short of the try line, however with the Haydock defence stretched the play was spread to the left channel where Mark Webster had the space to go over with Chris Springford converting.
Just minutes before the interval, Danny Gee followed up a kick to score for Haydock leaving Brook clinging on to a two point lead at half time.
Two tries in the opening fifteen minutes after the re-start seemed to have Brook in control. Firstly Ian Honey and Kyle Bethell combined to send Danny Fairhurst over with Springford converting and then Greg Hale spotted a gap wide on the left to burrow his way over.
The game deteriorated as the weather worsened however Brook wrapped the game with ten minutes remaining when young winger Adam Swift raced onto a kick into space and outpaced the cover defence to go in at the corner.
Haydock scored a consolation try in the final play of the game Carl Dingsdale also added the conversion to his try.
Danny Fairhurst was selected as The Tisdalls man of the match with hard working Forwards Ste Marsh and Jon Glover sharing The Motorhouse players man of the match.
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Folly Lane 12 Blackbrook 44 (03/04/10)
Folly Lane gave Blackbrook an almighty shock by taking an early 10 point lead before the visitors got into their stride.
Scrum Half Danny Fairhurst got his side back into the game with an opportunist close range try after Danny Davies had been hauled down just short.
Folly edged further with a penalty goal however a try from Greg Hale and a second conversion from Chris Springford levelled the scores on 25 minutes.
Brook took the lead a couple of minutes later, a down field kick was fumbled by the Folly defence allowing Paul Fass to pick up the loose ball and score the simplest of tries.
Less than 5 minutes before the interval a Folly attack broke down and the loose ball was picked up by Kyle Bethell who raced 60 metres to score. Springfords fourth conversion gave his side an unlikely 24 points to 12 lead.
The second half was all one way traffic Dave Weldon scored the first try of the half following a superb handling move involving Danny Fairhurst, Sean Richardson and Paul Fass.
Kyle Bethell romped in for his second taking an inside pass from Richardson. Debutant young winger Adam Swift and Stephen Parkinson rounded off the scoring with late tries. Chris Springford finished the afternoon with 6 conversions.
Danny Fairhurst picked up The Tisdalls man of the match award with Kyle Bethell being chosen as The Motorhouse players man of the match.
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Blackbrook 21 Bold Miners 14 (30/03/10)
Games between these two local rivals are always hard fought and full of incident. This match was no different and Brook had to be at their best to claim the vital league points under the lights at Boardmans Lane.
Torrential rain made handling difficult and both teams struggled to adapt in the early stages. Brook opened the scoring after 15 minutes when a Bold attack broke down Winger Stephen Parkinson picked up a loose ball inside his own 20 metre area and raced away along the touchline for a spectacular try Chris Springford added the conversion.
The home team increased the lead on the half hour mark Bold had possession from a scrum deep in the their own half it was Sean Richardson made the one on one tackle and scooped the ball free Jimmy Forshaw was on hand to pick up and send winger Danny Davies away to score in the corner.
Just before the interval Brook added to their lead Greg Hale chipped the ball over the defence at a scrum for Tommy Cunningham who collected the ball in acres of space to score.
Bold came right back into the game with two tries in the opening fifteen minutes of the second half. Firstly Adam Welsby timed his run perfectly to collect a kick into the corner to score and then Matty Garner was on the end of a Darren Anders pass to score with Ian Webster converting.
Brook stepped up a gear and were soon threatening the Bold try line. Superb handling kept the ball alive before Jon Glover came powerfully onto a pass he pushed and barged his way through several attempted defenders before going over for a superbly taken try with Springford adding the goal.
Bold came back again with the Anders and Webster double act repeating their earlier score leaving Brook clinging on to a six point lead.
With only two minutes left on the clock Sean Richardson coolly dropped a goal to guarantee the points.
Ian Honey was selected as The Tisdalls man of the match against his former club with Darren Anders picking up the award for the visitors.
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Roose Pioneers 0 Blackbrook 40 (27/03/10)
Blackbrook overcame a difficult coach journey to Cumbria to produce one of their best and most clinical performances of the season so far.
The visitors opened the scoring two minutes into the game a strong from Kyle Bethell took play to the Cumbrian’s try line before a long pass from the play the ball by Ian Honey found Stephen Parkinson who barged through his opposite number to cross for an unconverted try in the corner.
Brook were over again after fifteen minutes, skipper Jimmy Forshaw this time made the hard yards to give his side good field position close to the Roose Try line. A superb pass from Honey again this time found Greg Hale who was able to ground the ball over the try line despite the attentions of two defenders. Chris Springford stretched the lead with his conversion.
Brook added their third try mid way through the first half Scrum Half Danny Fairhurst broke clear from half way he took play down the left channel where found Greg Hale in support Hale passed the ball out to his winger Parkinson who outpaced the cover defence to go over for his second try.
Five minutes before the interval Brook scored again a great break from half way by Andy Tucker left the home sides defence stretched and the space was exploited as Kyle Bethell came on an unstoppable run to cross over the try line.
Brook added to their lead in the opening minute of the second half great work from Greg Hale again before releasing a pass to Stephen Parkinson who sped away from the cover to complete his hat trick.
Despite their best efforts Roose found no way through Brook’s mean defence. The defending was as equally good as the attack and this left the home side demoralised going into the final quarter of the game.
Greg Hale was the centre of attention again his break was supported by Danny Fairhurst who cut inside the full back to score with Springford converting.
Two converted tries in three minutes followed Danny Davies forced a Roose restart under their own posts before Greg Hale took on the defence to score a superb individual try.
It was Davies also that wrapped up the scoring. Tommy Cunningham sent Chris Springford through a gap and his Gidley esq. pass sent his wingman racing clear to score.
Danny Fairhurst was selected as The Tisdalls man of the match with Greg Hale picking up The Motorhouse players man of the match.
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Blackbrook 18 Oulton Raiders 15 (National Cup R4) (20/03/10)
A Paul Fass try in the 98th minute of a pulsating cup tie sent the home side through to Quarter Final stage as St Helens sole surviving team in this season’s National Cup campaign.
Brook opened the scoring with an early Chris Springford penalty after Oulton were caught not square at the ruck. Both teams had spells of intense pressure during the opening 20 minutes Tommy Cunningham and Ste Parkinson both had to alert mopping up kicks as the Leeds outfit strived to make the breakthrough.
Brook rallied with forwards Sean Richardson and Jimmy Forshaw leading the way out of defence a neat Danny Fairhurst kick over try line was shuffled out of play as Brook threatened. Oulton snatched the lead on the half hour mark Wingman Chris Walker collected a high kick into the corner and found himself space to break away and score an 80 metre try with Mark Holmes converting.
The lead lasted only a couple of minutes as Brook hit back with a try of their own. A long pass out wide from Fairhurst found centre Mark Webster who flicked a great pass out to his Winger Ste Parkinson who went for an unconverted try. Mark Holmes kicked a late penalty to edge Oulton into a narrow interval lead.
Brook were penalised for holding down in the opening minute of the second half and Holmes again converted the penalty. Oulton should have increased the lead however a forward pass ruled out what would have been a certain try. The visitors however did increase their lead minutes later when Centre Danny Hardy collected a speculative long pass to score an unconverted try in the corner.
Brook responded with a deep kick off and intensive tackling forced an error as Oulton tried to clear their line. Scrum Half Danny Fairhurst exploited the space around the blind side of the scrum to score a well taken try Mark Forber added the conversion to bring his side back to within two points. The scores were soon level as Forber added a penalty as Oulton were caught off side following a fumble as Brook piled on the pressure again.
IIt was all Brook now as they sensed the game was theirs for the taking Ste Parkinson collected a high bomb in the corner and it was only superb defending that prevented him from touching down. Next it was Danny Fairhurst who collecting his own chip over the defence only to be felled by a high tackle with less than five minutes on the clock Forbers penalty attempt sailed just wide of the posts.
Brook agonisingly missed another penalty shot a minute before the whistle blew for Eighty minutes.
The game went into extra time both teams had an opportunity to take the lead with penalty goal shots during the first period however the scores remained the same until the 95th minute Oulton looked to have snatched victory when Gavin Wood dropped a goal from 25 metres out.
Brook however had other ideas and the restart found touch giving the home side the advantage from the resulting scrum. Andy Tucker and Kyle Bethell drove the ball towards the line before Ian Honey switched play to the left he held onto the ball long enough for Paul Fass to support the attack and finish off in style to send his jubilant team through to last eight stages.
Jimmy Forshaw and Sean Richardson who both produced 100 minute stints in the forwards picked the Tisdalls and MotorHouse man of the matches respectively.
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Blackbrook 74 Wigan St Patricks 0 (13/03/10)
Brook ran in fourteen unanswered tries in a one sided romp at Boardmans Lane as the home side continued their promotion drive in style.
The demolition of the Wiganers started in the second minute when Ian Honey scooted away from half back he had Kyle Bethell in support who sold a dummy to the approaching full back to score with Chris Springford adding the first of his nine conversions.
Brook continued the pressure and soon added to the score when Jon Glover forced his way the line to score from close range.
The visitors were putting plenty of effort into the first half and played some enterprising rugby when in possession, however it was Brook that increased their lead mid way through the first half. Skipper Jimmy Forshaw collected a pass 20 metres out and went on a typical blockbusting run to the try line and crossed for his first try of the season.
Five minutes later it was quick thinking from Ian Honey again as he paved the way for Jon Glover to score. Brook’s Second Row man bursting his way out of three tackles before scoring. On the stroke of half time Ste Parkinson intercepted a St Patricks pass he fed his centre Paul Fass who weaved and dodged his way past several defenders before scoring in the corner giving his side a 28 point interval lead.
Brook ran in tries at regular intervals as they cantered through the second half. Barry McGilvray broke clear from half way and sold an outrageous dummy before crossing in the opening minutes. Jimmy Forshaw made the initial break for Tommy Cunningham who linked from Full Back to score. Forshaw was involved in Brook’s next try he reacted quickly to a loose ball and sent McGilvray away who in turn found Paul Fass to go over for his second try.
Danny Fairhurst scored his side’s next try following a break down the right hand side with Sean Richardson, Chris Springford and Scott Lyon all involved during the build up to the score. Tommy Cunningham made the break for Brook’s next try, Kyle Bethell was the man in support and his pass sent McGilvray over for his second of the Afternoon.
Jimmy Forshaw went on a touchline hugging run from half way before releasing a perfectly timed pass for Winger Ste Parkinson to add to Brook’s try tally. Three tries in the final ten minutes rounded off Brook’s Afternoon romp with Glover and Cunningham the main players in all three scores.
Glover made the break for Cunningham to go over for his second before completing his hat trick with another break from 40 metres out. Cunningham also completed his trio with a last minute try again following good work from Glover.
Jimmy Forshaw was selected as the Tisdalls Man of the Match with Jon Glover picking up The Motorhouse award as the players Man of the Match.
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Blackbrook 18 Stanningley 6 (National Cup R3)(06/03/10)
Brook came from behind to pull off the their third victory of the season against Conference League opposition to reach the last 16 stage of this years National Cup
campaign.
The strong wind made handling difficult during the opening quarter as both teams lost a host of possession as they tried to adapt to the conditions.
Blackbrook’s impressive pack led by Sean Richardson and Jimmy Forshaw held the upper hand though and it came as a shock when Stanningley took the lead on the 20 minute mark. A kick into the corner was spilled by the Brook defence and the loose ball was pounced upon by centre Scott Hargreaves who scored with Stuart Halliday kicking the goal from out on the touch line.
As they always seem to do Brook gathered the ball from the re-start and were instantly threatening the Leeds teams try line. Scott Lyon and Barry McGilvray both went close to scoring before Brook switched play to the left were Greg Hale found Kyle Bethell steaming onto his pass to score an unconverted try. The try signalled Stanningley’s best spell of the half however Brook’s mean defence withstood all that could be thrown at them.
Less than ten minutes before the interval Brook’s packmen cleared the danger and a blockbusting run from Andy Tucker took play into the oppositions half. Ian Honey took advantage of the open space around the ruck area to scoot away and his perfectly timed pass sent the supporting Chris Springford over for the try as Brook edged into the lead Springford also added the conversion.
Excellent defence from both sides cancelled each others attacking qualities out in what was a tense second half as Brook strived to make the game safe and their opponents rallied as the home side were clinging on to four point advantage.
Brook stretched their lead to six when Springford converted a penalty following a high shot midway through the half. Five minutes later came the try that sent Brook through to the next round Danny Fairhurst put a huge kick into the corner were Paul Fass brilliantly collected under pressure he evaded the oncoming defenders before popping out a brilliant pass from almost off the ground to Ste Marsh who raced under the posts unchallenged to score. Springford again adding the extras.
Barry McGilvray now back to his best following his injury was selected as the Tisdalls man of the match with Greg Hale and Jimmy Forshaw not far behind.
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Bolton Mets 24 Blackbrook A 24 (06/03/10)
Brook’s A continued their comeback with a highly entertaining game and a credible draw against a strong Bolton outfit. Their 24 points consisted of 6 tries and Brook were left to rue the fact they were missing a reliable goal kicker.
Tries came from Jon Hale, Glen McKiernan, Dave Weldon, Craig Lyon 2 and a late effort from youngster Danny Beckett salvaged the draw.
Craig Lyon was the Astley Sands man of the match.
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Blackpool Scorpions 16 Blackbrook 40 (27/02/10)
The Seasiders certainly gave Brook a big shock as Mark Lee’s men where clinging on to a 2 point lead before they ran in 22 unanswered points in the final 10 minutes.
The final score flattered Brook however it looked too easy when Jon Glover scored off an inside pass from Greg Hale with Chris Springford converting.
Blackpool hit back and to take an unexpected lead with two unconverted tries three minutes.
A splendid re-start saw Brook gather the ball and after Phil Cunningham was hauled down just short the play was switched to the left channel where Sean Richardson powered his way from close range.
Tommy Cunningham made the initial break as Brook increased the lead with their second try in as many minutes Barry McGilvray took play deep into the Blackpool half and was supported by Chris Springford who raced away to score.
Blackpool hit back with a third try as Brook conceded a double number of points since the first league game of the season.
As half time approached Blackbrook increased their lead to six points Ste Marsh went a barnstorming run down the centre of the field he timed his pass perfectly to the supporting Mark Forber who went over the try line.
Defences tightened up during the first twenty minutes of the second period which remained scoreless Brook created several chances but were unable to convert them into points.
Brook wasted another opportunity and the Blackpool Full Back collected a loose ball to race 80 metres to score the conversion missed leaving the visitors with only a two point lead.
With only ten minutes left on the clock Brook finally scored the try that took the wind out of Blackpool sails. Tommy Cunningham broke from inside his own half and the visitors splendidly kept the ball alive for Barry McGilvray to finish the move with a try which Springford converted.
Chris Springford made the break directly from the kick which lead to Brooks next try.
Forber, Marsh and centre Mark Webster were all involved before Wingman Ste Parkinson
finished off the flowing move with a try in the corner.
Barry McGilvray turned provider for Brooks next score sending Tommy Cunningham through a huge gap in Blackpool’s tiring defence, he neatly side stepped his opposite Full Back to score under the posts with Springford adding the extras.
Brook came straight back onto the attack from the re-start and it was Prop Ste Marsh who had the vision to put a delicate chip into the corner for Ste Parkinson who gleefully collected to score his second try of the Afternoon. Marsh added a touchline conversion for good measure as Brook wrapped up the victory.
Sean Richardson who never stopped working in an eighty minute stint was selected as The Tisdalls Man of the match and also took The Motorhouse players accolade just ahead
Ste Marsh and Greg Hale.