TYLDESLEY showed plenty character, against a side that sat at the top and had yet to lose at home, but thankfully a very gritty defensive display, during the second period, had Bongs come away with four points, moving them up a place to second, whilst Hoylake drop to third.

Both sides served up a cracker of a game, which kept all on their toes until the very last second. Tyldesley started the better and should have recorded two if not three more tries, during the first forty, but struggled to finish off some excellent plays.

Ash Worsfold crossed the line in the eighth minute, but the official disallowed it for a forward pass, still Bongs pressed, which resulted in them receiving a more than kickable penalty, but the decision was to tap and go.

Damien Twizell drove hard, from the ruck set; Matt Soulsby then delivered a great ball to prop forward, Conor Norton, who hit the ball strongly and took two defenders with him, on route to the line, for a good try, Pau Martin Converted.

By the half hour mark, Hoylake started to gain some momentum and recorded a seven pointer. Tyldesley came back strongly, Jack Schofield made a great break, with support on either side, but a poor pass, blew a golden opportunity for another score.

With just seconds remaining, the decision was made to go for goal, from a penalty received, with Martin adding the three. Half time 7-10.

As expected Hoylake, came out strong and bossed the majority of the second half, although a good first ten minutes from Tyldesley resulted in two tries.

Bongs pressed hard, just outside Lakes' 22, with Mark Dickinson picking up a loose ball, before cutting through the home defence and touched down for a great individual try.

Two minutes later and deep in their own half Worsfold gained possession then delivered a great attacking kick towards the right, which was brilliantly taken, in the air, by Dickinson who then slipped the ball to Martin, for a great score, both conversions missed.

Two tries, one converted from Hoylake made it a very nervy last sixteen minutes, but a courageous defence protected the slender one point cushion.

MOM Damien Twizell

Next week Tyldesley entertain new league leaders Liverpool Collegiate Kick off 2-15