Weakened Simmies show great endeavour but Golborne are too strong

Golborne Parkside 40 Halton Simms Cross 24 SIMMIES travelled to Wigan with a much weakened side, arriving with just 14 players and making eight changes from the side that beat Pilks in the last game.

The visitors were unlucky not to score in the opening minutes when Mike Randall twice got over the line but was unable to ground the ball.

Golborne then scored a pair of long-range tries through Dancer and Ellis, both converted by Byrnes.

Simmies hit back after good work from Carl Glover and Kyle Ashton allowed Stephen McDermott to score under the posts. Owen Bebbington tacked on the extras.

Again Golborne came back strongly and scored further tries from Wilson, Cunningham and Jones plus two goals by Byrnes to make it 28-6 at half time.

Simmies to their credit dug deep and Randall burst over from close-range to score a try which Bebbington converted.

Simmies again showed true grit and powerful secondrower Glover powered his way over for a try which Bebbington converted.

Golborne replied with a try and conversion from Byrnes.

Once more Simmies came back and again Randall was denied a try after being unable to ground the ball.

Simmies then scored the try of the match when a barnstorming run by Randall left a wake of would-be tacklers helpless to score under the posts. Bebbington was successful with the conversion.

Then in the final minute, Golborne scored a try by Anderson which Byrnes converted to make the final score 40-24.

In a fine performance with such a depleted side, the 14 players can all hold their heads high.

Outstanding for Simmies were Mike Randall, Stephen McDermott, Carl Glover and Kyle Ashton. ● Simmies’ next game is on May 20 at local rivals Halton Farnworth Hornets with kick-off at 2.30pm. Simmies will have their fingers crossed they will have some of their absentees available for the encounter.