Rugby league: Ace (Europe) Insurance Barla National Cup Semi-Final

Last updated 16:23, Thursday, 20 March 2008

RUGBY LEAGUE: Ace (Europe) Insurance Barla National Cup Semi-Final. Wath Brow Hornets 14, Ince Rose Bridge 12

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Micky McAllister

WATH Brow Hornets, who have reached the Barla National Cup Final  three times in the last decade, will be  taking part once  again  after edging Ince Rose Bridge 14-12.

Hornets’ remarkable affiliation to the competition, which was won at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool, in 2004 and 2005 after defeat at the Copeland Stadium in 1999, has been revived in the most remarkable of circumstances.

Wath Brow were a rising side nine years ago, and their inexperience perhaps showed in the heavy defeat at the hands of Skirlaugh.

Hornets, though, were arguably the finest team in the amateur game when they met Oldham St Anne’s and Skirlaugh several years later on the hallowed turf once bestrode by Stanley Matthews – and that pedigree was evident in victories of high quality.

After suffering relegation from the National Conference Premier League last season, however, Wath Brow may have surprised even themselves by once again reaching the final, which will be staged at Fylde RUFC, Blackpool, on Saturday, May 24 as part of a double header with the final of the Bartlett’s Champion of Champions Series, in which Halbro Cumbria Cup holders Ellenborough Rangers will be involved.

The present season is seen largely as part of a rebuilding process by Hornets, with an immediate return to the top flight of the NCL a priority since last September. East Hull, of the NCL's Premier Division and coached by Hull FC captain Lee Radford, will provide the opposition at Fylde after edging Thatto Heath Crusaders 20-18 but, on this form, Hornets will fear no one in the amateur game.

Ince were beaten 14-12 in testing conditions, with heavy rain limiting opportunities for both sides.

Wath Brow, however, were never behind and took the lead in the 24th minute through full-back Gavin Curwen, who forced his way over after fine approach work by second row duo Mickey McAllister and Gary Elliott, with prop Mark Troughton – the man of the match – also having an impact in creating the score.

Stand-off Craig Johnstone, another key figure, added the conversion but the Bridge restored parity by the break when scrum-half Tony Baker popped over and winger Danny Rigby improved.

Wath Brow came close to going back in front when an enterprising kick by substitute James Toman bobbled over the dead ball line with chasers in hot pursuit, but Hornets claimed the score a heavy spell of pressure warranted when loose-forward Dave Pettitt and centre Francis King combined to send winger Jonny Lopez in at the corner.

King added to his growing reputation by creating a gap for Johnstone to cross wide out.

And although the stand-off was unable to convert either score, a buffer had been created which was enough to withstand a late rally in which loose-forward Wayne Leyland crashed over, Rigby adding the extras.

The Hornets’ defence of Amor, Stables and Byers were on top form as Wath Brow booked their place in the final.

Hornets host Oldham St Anne’s in NCL1 on Saturday (2.30pm kick-off)