Top spot for Brook (From St Helens Star)

Top spot for Blackbrook

12:38pm Thursday 25th October 2012 in Sport

Bank Quay Bulls 6 Blackbrook 12

THREE unconverted tries in the final quarter at Bank Quay confirmed Brook finish top of the inaugural North West Men’s League Premier Division.

It follows on from lifting the North West Counties crown only six months ago and their achievement has been reached in some style.

Brook, who have elcted not to participate in the end-of-season play offs after 14 months of non-stop action, completed the season undefeated from 16 outings.

And to do that, on Saturday they ended Bank Quay’s run of more than three years without a home defeat.

Blackbrook had the better of the opening exchanges as the Warrington team’s indiscipline handed the visitors plenty of possession in opposition territory.

But the Bulls took the lead after 10 minutes.

Great handling at speed produced a gap for outstanding full back Eddie Vaughan to link up and exploit space and Craig White added a superb touchline conversion.

Brook came back again with Sean Richardson, Ben Howard and Dave Llewellyn leading Brook’s pack but stubborn defence held the visitors out.

A superb last-ditch cover tackle from Tommy Cunningham and Scott Lyon bundled Bulls winger Ste Caley into touch by the corner flag when the lead looked like being doubled.

Bulls forced five consecutive drop outs and Brook produced 10 minutes of heroic defending before a forward pass finally handed possession to the visitors.

A penalty gave Brook one final opportunity to get on the score board before the interval and Lee Marsh crashed over only to have the try ruled out as it was judged he had lost the ball.

The opening period of the second half was tense.

White put a drop goal attempt just wide as the home side looked to stretch their lead.

Brook knew a further score from Bulls would leave them with a huge task to win the game but midway through the half the visitors scored the try they deserved.

Great work from Marsh took play close to the Bulls line where Ian Honey laid off a superb short pass to the outstanding Neil Babbs, who crossed the try line.

Brook sensed victory five minutes later after Danny Fairhurst was inches from scoring.

Honey threw a long pass to Craig Lyon who forced his way over in the corner.

Bulls were never going to give up easily but had no answer to Brook’s determination to hang on for the win.

As the game entered its final minute veteran prop Sean Richardson powered his way over the line to settle it.

Honey was selected as man of the match, with Babbs taking the players’ man of the match award.