Bills flying high as lead stretches further

Northern Premier

UNBEATEN Billingham have now opened up an eight-point advantage at the top of the table following a 22-17 win away at third place Macclesfield.

This was always going to be a tester but, through tries from Matt Kirby, Luke Wilson and Martin Hopley, with Peter Evans slotting two conversions and a drop-goal, they saw off the challenge of the Cheshire outfit – who started with a penalty try before Sam Brooster got over for a score converted by Tom Morton, who also added a second half penalty.

The big upset of the day was second-placed Blaydon going down 31-25 away to Kirkby Lonsdale.

Ben Walker, Andrew Bargh, Dan Arminstead and Harry Huddlestone were the try scorers for the home side, all converted by Ryan Terry who also added a penalty.

Harrogate edged it 1411 at home to Lymm. Martin Dodds and Sam Brady were the home side’s try scorers with Joe

Senior crossing for Lymm in the second half to add to two first half penalties from Cormack Nolan.

Following promotion at the end of last season, Blackburn continue to improve – this time at the expense of Wirral – who they beat 22-17 at Ramsgreave Road.

Ben Corless, Tom Burtonwood and Myles Harrop were the try scorers with Leon Bayfield landing two conversions and a penalty. James Annetts and Craig Harvey crossed for the visitors with Annetts successful with both conversions and a second-half penalty.

Carlisle move well clear of the danger zone following a bonus point 35-15 win at home to Rossendale.

Matt Shields, Grant Connon and Ed Harper went in for first half tries, all converted by Jason Israel, and with two more scores in the second half again converted by Israel, they ran out easy winners.

Rossendale got Tom Bedlow, Chris Mayor and Callum Whelan over but they were unable to cope with the power of the home pack and some strong running in the backline.

Morpeth were 24-9 winners away at botom of the table Ilkley, who scored three penalties through the boot of Chuckie Ramsey.

In the final game Tom Bamber, James Ellar, Ryan Gibson, Nick Carolan and Declan Thompson ensured that Sandal took the honours 37-8 at home to Alnwick.

Luke Punton grabbed a conversion and two penalties and Ellar two conversions for the hosts, who were good value.