Littleborough quell opponents’ quest for revenge

LITTLEBOROUGH Rugby League’s scintillating second half performance doused out a fired up Burnley and Pendle side to record a convincing 38-16 away victory.

Three tries to two apiece gave the away side a slender advantage at the break before 4 tries from thelikes of Browne, Whittles, Taylor and Lawlor gave Littleborough a margin of victory that Burnley and Pendle could and would not come back from.

It was the away side who ultilised early control of the contest with a sublime individual effort from full back Nathan Coop.

Legally ripping the ball in the tackle mid way into his own half, he jinked with his way through four defenders before putting on the afterburners to dive over in the left corner.

Stuart Bairstow then used his big frame to claim Boro’s second of the afternoon with a close range drive.

Burnley, clearly intent on seeking revenge for a disappointing display in the reverse fixture a few weeks back at Littleborough, brought a tenacious defensive game that at times boiled over.

One of those brought about the first of a few scuffles in the match as members of both sides lost their heads in the heat of the mid afternoon sunshine.

This put Littleborough off their stride and played right into Burnley’s hands as they scored the next two tries and closed the gap.

Boro regained their composure and mojo with a quick tap and step from forward Kyle Howarth, his first for this season.

As soon as the second half had begun, Littleborough notched up the gears and the prairie sports village based outfit could not withstand the barrage.

First Adam Browne squeezed through on the outside arch before circling the post to dot down his first try since coming back from a concussion injury before Jack Whittles darted over from close range.

Richard Taylor and Danny Lawlor would add their names to the scoresheet with another two brilliant individual efforts, both of them stepping and dummying their way under the sticks.

Burnley and Pendle would gain a late consolation through the right winger diving on the grubber kick but it would do little to disparage from a excellent away day performance from Littleborough.