Barrow Island see off Millom in Barton Townley Cup 28 - 14

The visitors, coach by former Island player Darren Carter, took an early lead as Lee Edmondson darted between defenders to cross out wide.
The Island had to withstand further pressure on their line, but outstanding defence – especially from Richard Chatfield, Perry Singleton and Ben Garner – kept the Woollybacks out.

The home side went 6-4 ahead after 15 minutes when strong running from Jack Sutherland and Lloyd Williams allowed Lee Edwards to forced his way over. Gareth Shaw converted.

Millom regained possession from the restart and laid siege to the hosts’ line but Island passed the test.

They responded and increased their lead with two quick tries. Firstly, Mark Bewley came on to a short ball and crashed over, then Ryan Clegg went down the line after Edwards, Chatfield and Sam Jones had done the spade work.

But the joy was short-lived, as right on half-time Edmondson scored his second, diving over from acting half back. Ricky Donaghue converted to make it 14-10.

Within a minute of the second half, the scores were level, as Dan White plucked Paul Evans’ high kick to the corner out of the air to touch down. Clegg and Jones pulled off a try-saving tackle on Steven Rogers and, with veteran Craig Wilson turning back the clock with some powerful running, the visitors were dangerous.

More committed defending from the Islanders kept Millom out and they regained the lead as they broke out of their own half through Spencer Hoyland, Gareth Shaw and Luke Cresswell. The latter took play to the posts, from where Edwards came onto a short ball to plough over, with Sam Jones goaling for 20-14.

Jones put the game to bed 10 minutes from time after Mark Bewley made a telling burst up the middle, and a long ball found him to slide over in the corner.

Garner and Wilson were the men-of-the-match, with Andy Cairns also deserving of a mention.

First published at 15:29, Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk