Rugby league: National Conference League Division Two

Last updated 16:52, Wednesday, 21 May 2008

EGREMONT’S recent poor away form shows no sign of changing after they were outplayed at Ovenden.

Two places below Egremont, the home side looked the sharper and were completely dominant in defence as they looked to close the gap on Egremont.

From the kick-off, Ovenden were quicker in all aspects of the play. Egremont struggled defensively to contain their close support play which left them grasping thin air.

Ovenden were 16-0 up after 17 minutes and, to all intents, the game appeared to be over. However, Egremont retaliated and came back into the game as they pressed the home line on a couple of occasions.

Two crucial injuries to Malcolm Caton and Richard Farrer changed the complexion of the game as the home side contained Egremont’s attacks and started to reassert their control on the game.

The half-time score of 16-0 was not insurmountable but, within two minutes of the re-start, the home side had extended their lead to 22-0 and, from that point on, Egremont were up against it.

A steady procession of tries followed for the home side interspersed by a well-finished try in the corner by John Hartley, after good handling saw Dale Horn send him in. Warren Stainton kicked a great conversion from the touchline to lift the spirits.

For Egremont, whilst the team never gave up, there were few performances of note. Man-of-the-match Ben Walker always looked their best player and was ably supported by Warren Stainton, Malcolm Caton (before his injury), Kevin Brown and Declan Breslin.

Egremont meet Millom away on Saturday (2.30pm).