WESTHOUGHTON Lions secured automatic promotion from North West Men’s League Division Four with a convincing 26-4 win against Little Hulton Reds.

The Lions would have been promoted anyway, thanks to champions Woolston Rovers defeating Langworthy Reds at the same time, but they eliminated any doubt with a four-try performance to rubber-stamp second place in the table and promotion.

Early pressure from the Lions’ defence forced dropped balls and repeat sets before a steamrolling run from Ryan Berry got them off the mark, Sam Pennington adding the extras. Pennington would keep his cool shortly after, kicking a penalty to make it 8-0.

A player that really stood out for the Lions was half back Jimmy Haydock. His smart attacking play and constant, forceful contact in defence kept his side on the front foot all day.

Spreading the ball out wide paid off for Westhoughton as a well-worked move ended with Stu Jarvis flying over in the corner. Pennington kicked the conversion from the touchline.

Shaun Markland and Scott Benyon combined for the third try, the latter taking a return pass from Markland to go over untouched.

Aidy Lomax scored the fourth try after the Reds buckled under pressure.

The only downside was a late consolation try for Little Hulton, but it did little to sour the day for the Lions, who will play in Division Three next season.