Back of the Met as Halton hit seven

AVON ATHLETIC 3 CRONTON VILLA 2 BOTH sides were already guaranteed a Derek Roylance Widnes Challenge Cup semi-final spot but produced what was far from a dead rubber at the Corpy in Group 1.

Avon struck first through Jay Yates before Andrew Abbot struck a long range 40 thunderbolt to make it 2-0.

A free-kick awarded to Cronton was taken by Kev Gould who hit a thunderous shot into the net, but Avon struck again through Aaron McGarvey to make it 3-1 at half-time. Nathan Clare pulled one back for Cronton but Avon held on. HALTON BOROUGH 7 MOORFIELD 2

Neither side could progress to the semifinals, but played out their final Group 1 match with enthusiasm.

Gavin Nevitt made it 1-0, then Jordan Smith doubled Halton’s lead.

Chris Metcalf then scored twice before half-time and it was game over at 4-0.

Metcalf completed his hat-trick early in the second half before Moorfield were rewarded for their persistence with a penalty from Jeff Heaton.

Heaton then added his second in the space of two minutes.

Borough thwarted the fightback and further goals from Nevitt and sub Paul Rigby completed a flattering 7-2 win for Borough. ● Avon Atheltic will take on St Michaels in the first semi-final on Tuesday, August 15 at Halton Borough, which will also stage the second semi-final on Wednesday, August 16 between Parklands and Cronton Villa.