De La Salle 62, Lostock 6 LOSTOCK 1st XV, forced into making numerous changes, were hammered 62-6 at De La Salle in the first round of the Tetley Bitter Vase. The home side demonstrated good handling skills for the first try. The move started with a number eight pick up from the base of the scum, with the ball passing through seven pairs of hands before the full back touched down in the corner.

Throughout the first half the Lostock forwards competed well in both scrum and line out, however De La Salle proved stronger in the loose play and controlled the rucks well.

The home team continued to handle the ball well and backs linked well with forwards to score four more tries in the first half. All tries, with the exception of one, were scored in the corners.

The half time score was 27-3, the Lostock points courtesy of a Dave Nichols penalty.

In the second half Lostock brought on replacement Collier. Dobson moved into the centres and Smith was rested.

But the pattern continued with the big De La Salle back row and strong running centres dominating much of the play. However, the centre of the park was not to be the scoring zone. A strong defensive performance from backs Heyes, Dobson and Melling with back up from the Lostock back row often pushed the play out to the wings. But as had happened in the first half the home side's backing up was excellent and a number of tries were scored in the corners.

Midway through the second half the Lostock forwards rallied and through a number of rolling mauls and good tight play they threatened the De La Salle line. Impetus was lost when the Lostock scrum lost its way at a critical point in the attack, losing two scrumages against the head, and allowing the home team to clear their lines.

When second row Westwell suffered an ankle injury the Lostock pack re-arranged itself to accommodate, but with Westwell restricted to a jog the De La Salle pack dominated further and scored six more tries in the second half.

Lostock were once again their own worst enemy but on a positive note, the Lostock heads did not go down and all players battled for the full 80 minutes. Defence in the centre of the park was also of a high standard, and the Lostock front row of Goodwin, Evans and Curden received post match praise from the opposition. 2nd XV: At home to Dukinfield 3rd XV Lostock 34, Dukinfield 24 LOSTOCK'S second XV produced a good 34-24 win against Dukinfield thirds. The veterans in the pack once again competed well, dominating both loose and tight play. The solid forward play provided a good platform and the backs received high quality ball.

The scoreline did not reflect the one-sided nature of the game with Lostock by far the stronger outfit.

Uncharacteristically captain Ian Robertson had two opportunities to score but failed to complete.

The Lostock tries were scored by Alan Riley, Ian Cameron (x2), Chris Snape, Geoff Snape and Owen Keers. Owen Keers also added two conversions.

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