Barton suffer home loss against leaders

BARTON fell to a 29-20 home defeat against Counties 3 Midlands West (North) leaders Willenhall.

Mike Traynor returned to first team action for Barton following a lengthy injury lay-off, while George Robson was also back on the bench.

The home side drew first blood when James Redfearn broke before freeing Will Bagnall to score an unconverted try.

But Willenhall scored two unconverted tries to lead 10-5 at half-time.

Billy Peach kicked a penalty early in the second half to close the gap but the visitors replied with a converted try.

Barton pressured the kick-off and a return from full-back Rowan Senior led to a goalline drop out.

Peach fielded it to feed Kieran Thomas and then Redfearn before Harry Roden went over for a try in the corner, Peach converting from the touchline.

Traynor and Robson replaced Rory Ward and James Murray but, following two scrums, Robson was shown a yellow card for a high tackle.

Two minutes later, Bagnall was also sent to the sin bin for the same offence, which inevitably set back Barton’s chances.

The home team’s frustration grew when they felt that Willenhall were guilty of similar offences but were not punished.

When a full contingent was finally back on the pitch for Barton, the home side again pushed hard without reward as the visitors wrapped up the win. ■■Barton’s seconds won 26-24 away against Stafford Bulldogs.

Both teams had issues regarding injuries and unavailabilities, so the captains agreed a 12v12 contest.

Stafford led 14-0 at the break but Barton rallied in the second half with tries from Tom Lowndes and Jason Walker (2) before Elliott Brown touched down at the finish, Ian Grice kicking the winning extras.