Henry’s tremendous try seals derby win for Simmies over Hornets

Halton F’th Hornets 12 Halton Simms Cross 16 HALTON Simms Cross gained local bragging rights in the first derby of the campaign with an exciting victory over Farnworth after trailing 12-6 well into the second half.

Simmies opened the scoring when powerful second-row forward Carl Glover crashed over for a try which David Jones converted.

In a typical local derby, both sides were tackling like proverbial demons.

Farnworth hit back with a try and conversion to level at 6-6 just before half-time.

Then, seconds before the interval, Simmies suffered a huge blow when their best forward Glover received a bad knee injury and played no further part in the game.

Soon after the restart, Hornets took the lead with a try and conversion.

Simmies rolled up their sleeves and their impressive pack began to dominate proceedings with Ste McDermott, Ste Jones, Kyle Ashton and Sean O’Connor outstanding.

Simmies cut the lead to two points when livewire hooker McDermott sliced through the defence to score a good try.

In the last quarter, it was all Simmies and some deft kicking from Jones resulted in a goalline drop out.

Simmies then scored the try of the game when man-of-thematch Connor Henry ghosted through the entire Farnworth defence without a hand being laid on him to score a fine four-pointer to just edge in front.

Owen Bebbington converted to make the final score 16-12 in Simmies’ favour.

For Simmies, Connor Henry, Kyle Ashton and Ste McDermott were outstanding throughout. ● Simmies are still looking for players to boost their squad and are now training at the Corporation Rec in Dundalk Road on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm. ● This Saturday afternoon, Simmies have home advantage against Barrow side Hindpool Tigers with kick-off at 2.30pm.