Moor edge past Widnes in cracker

Peter Robinson is held by the Widnes West Bank defence during Dewsbury Moors impressive BARLA National Cup success.

Moor tore into the North West Counties champions from the start with experienced players Chris Mortimer, Phil Shotton and Danny Wardman to the fore.

Good handling led to George Croisdale continuing his excellent form with the opening try.

Widnes came to life and scrum-half Ryan Millington produced some tricky kicks but Jordan Foster and Lewis Holliday were alert to dive on loose balls with attackers closing in.

Andy Robinson, Peter Robinson and James Samme made ground at the other end but were met by stubborn defence, especially from West Bank prop Ryan Bates.

Jacob Flathers landed a penalty, stretching Moor’s half-time lead to 6-0.

Widnes put Moor under pressure after the break but James Eatherley, Bradley Foster, Matt Shaw and Ashley Boddy produced crunching tackles.

West Bank lost possession five metres from Moor’s line and Flathers gathered to race the length of the field for a spectacular try, which he converted.

West Bank showed spirit to hit back with Millington and Edie McAdam creating a gap for centre Danny Stappleton to score.

Half-backs Dean Arundel and Peter Robinson took play close but West Bank regained the ball and looked to take it away from their line.

Samme stole the ball and galloped between the posts to score. Flathers converted and Moor led 18-4 with 15 minutes remaining.

Millington pulled a try back and converted via a drop goal but Moor held on for a terrific win to reach the second round.

Peter Robinson was Moor’s man-of-the-match, with Bates taking West Bank’s award.

Moor return to Pennine League action on Saturday as they look to maintain the pressure on Championship leaders Doncaster Toll Bar when they travel to Morley Borough.