ADLINGTON RANGERS 32 SALEM HORNETS 2

This turned out to be a good match with Salem proving to be stronger opposition than expected.

They attacked from the whistle and put Rangers under a lot of pressure even opening the scoring with a penalty.

Rangers settled down with some good strong runs from the forwards with Whittle and Smith proving hard to hold.

The second row of Barker and Lowe were backing up well with Lowe putting in some terrific tackling.

Finally, hooker Moss dummied his way through Salem's defence to score the opening try -- no goal.

Soon after some good cross field passing put centre Brooke through to shoot through to score a good try -- goaled by Parker.

Just before the break a good run by Smith and quick passing out put left centre Cookson in for a try -- goaled by Parker with a half-time lead of 16 points -- 2 points. After the break Rangers were getting plenty of ball out to the backs but Salem were defending well. Some good backing up and a neat inside pass put Brooks through for his second try -- goaled by Parker.

Mitchinson and Parker were running things at half-back and good backing up had Salem stretched.

Hough had a long run which should have brought a try but the last pass went astray.

Soon after quick passing put Cookson in for his second try -- no goal. Moss next went close then after a long run by Lowe a neat inside pass put Cookson through the gap at speed to score his hat-trick -- goaled by Parker.

Rangers had shown a good all-round team effort and their defence had kept out any tries.

Man of the Match was Mark Lowe followed by Phil Moss and Paul Cookson.

Next week Rangers face stiffer opposition when Leigh Harriers are the visitors.

RANGERS A team were disappointed when Rochdale/Mayfield could not raise a team so had no game. Next week they entertain Waterhead (Oldham).