HAYDOCK produced a valiant performance in their first ever BARLA National Cup Final, but were eventually beaten 31-12 by the NCL Premier Division side West Hull.

A large and vociferous following from Haydock added to the absorbing final, making themselves heard from way before kick off to the final whistle.

Showing that they would not be over-awed by the opposition or the occasion at Featherstone Rovers’ ground, the game was level at the hour mark.

With the slope in their favour West had taken charge early on with three unconverted tries from Nathan Hill, Ryan Steen and Louis Crowther.

Haydock’s Connor Smith, Andy Collier and David Frodsham were working hard to get the Yickers going forward and this reflected in the rest of the half remaining scoreless making it12-0 lead at half time.

Haydock roared back when David Frodsham took Andrew Bacon’s pass to score three minutes into the second half.

Ste Jones tagged on the goal.

Yick had renewed confidence and grabbed a foothold in the game Dannie Lee, Karl Dingsdale and Jordan Gibson made half breaks but failed to get clear.

The pressure told when winger Danny Davies glided over out wide. The touchline conversion from Jones sent the Yick army into raptures and it was now 12 – 12 with 20 minutes remaining.

Haydock now had the ascendancy but a freak accident saw the third official get injured and the game stopped for 10 minutes whilst he received treatment.

A break to treat the third official allowed Wests to regroup and Haydock lose the momentum they had fought so hard to gather.

The game went away from the Yickers in the final quarter with West Hull finding an extra gear of organisation and fitness.

They crossed through Ian Kerman Bobby Tyson Wilson and Josh Nicklin.

Every player involved in the final and earlier rounds, officials and fans, deserve a mention for making it such a memorable day.