Facing a large pack, Moor struggled for possession, not helped by a lethargic start that limited the home side to a 6-point lead, courtesy of 2 Martin Shelley penalties. Birchfield then took advantage of thin defensive cover to score in the corner from a blindside break, the try being converted. Moor recovered to pressurise the visitors line for long periods but could not break through. With minutes of the half remaining, Bircfield were awarded a dubious try from a kick ahead, again converted (oh for a video official!).

Turning around 14-6 down, Moor responded to their team talk to dominate the second half. A Shelley penalty after 10 minutes reduced the margin, before Shane Stone finished off a forward drive to cross in the corner, putting the scores level. The final quarter was to produce a hat-trick of tries for winger Ivan Smetana as increased pressure started to stretch the visitor’s defence. Two powerful thrusts by centre Petr Stourac were finished off by elusive running from Smetana to put Moor 10 points clear. Inter-passing amongst the forwards was completed by McColl, only for him to be called back for a forward pass. A brief period of Birchfield pressure as they sought to reduce the margin was to provide the final scoring opportunity. Indecision by the visiting half-backs produced a delayed pass which was intercepted by Smetana inside his own 22 metres and he showed a clean pair of heels to canter in under the posts, leaving Shelley with an easy conversion and Moor ran out winners 31-14. The victory puts Moor 4 points clear at the top of the North Lancashire 1 table as their nearest challenger lost.

Littleborough are the visitors this Saturday, kick-off 2:15 p.m.

The 2^nd XV continued their run of victories in the Miller Homes League 4 East, with a 28-10 win against Altrincham Kersal 4^ths. Ben Tumata with a hat-trick of tries and 1 for Chris Novak, all converted by Phil Thomas, were the scorers for the 2^nds that keeps them in fourth place in the table.