Middlesbrough 20pts, New Brighton 13pts

"IT hurts to lose," said New Brighton captain Brookman. The faces of his team certainly told the story after Saturday's Thwaites League North Division One defeat at Middlesbrough. However, the Blues can take heart from this game, which destiny determined was not to be theirs.

New Brighton's problems began when Dooley and Davies cried off on Saturday morning. With Gallaher and Bentley injured, Paul Fox stepped in to make his senior debut in the second row. Paul Feeley, missing for the last month with injury, made a forced return as hooker.

Three points behind New Brighton in the league before Saturday's game, Middlesbrough produced their best form of the season to seize first-half advantage over a Blues side weakened by injury.

New Brighton were under the cosh for long periods and their attempts to break out were thwarted by mistakes and unforced errors. Eventually, the pressure told when Middlesbrough No 8 Maunders crashed over for a try converted by Parker.

A further penalty by Parker stretched the home side's interval lead to 10-0.

In the second period, New Brighton showed much more purpose. Hodgers and Jones stepped up their game with penetrating runs which caused problems for the home defence. Guest was excellent in both attack and defence.

The stand-off capped a good individual performance by landing two penalties and converting his own try to ease the Blues 10-13 ahead.

As their side appeared to be taking control, the supporters who had made the long trip from Wirral at last had something to shout about. But for a dreadful three minute spell, the Blues certainly had the best of the second period.

The Blues won a penalty in their 22. A clearing kick to touch appeared the best option, but, for some reason, they tried to run the ball virtually from their own line. An unfortunate knock-on gave Middlesbrough the scrum. For once, Brookman's half tackle was not good enough to stop the move, leaving Hodder to stroll over for the try. Parker converted for 17-13.

Middlesbrough went straight back on the attack to win a penalty, which Parker hit home for 20-13.

Even with time running out, the Blues created enough clear chances to win the game. Kennedy, Hancock and Guest all went close. And in the dying minutes, the Blues had a chance to snatch the draw when Guest kicked long; the ball rolled across the line between the posts. Whalley, showing electric pace, was inches short of winning the race for the touchdown.

New Brighton:- I. Kennedy, A. Whalley, H. O'Hare, S. O'Hare, C. Sutton, S. Hancock, H. Williams, A. Guest, S. Dorrington, P. Feeley, M. Dorrington, C. Turley, G. Jones, L. Hodgers, L. Connor, B. Hern, K. Brookman (capt.).

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