Rugby: Kirkby take heart from comeback

The first half was all Rossendale who showed why they are pressing for promotion. They outscrummaged the home side, who nonetheless took consolation in the lineout, where they used some new three-man moves which proved to be very effective.

Kirkby introduced David Barton at fly-half and the 17-year-old Upper Sixth pupil from Queen Elizabeth School had a stunning debut, making a number of smart plays.

Defensively, Kirkby were at their weakest before half time, conceding all the points that Rossendale scored, starting with a drop-goal and then two tries, one of them converted, to trail 15-0 at the interval.

It looked ominous for Kirkby going into the second half but the side managed to raise their collective effort to mount a heartening comeback which should give them confidence over coming weeks.

Hooker Ryan Holmes was injured when he took a nasty elbow on the sternum and he was replaced by Steve Ainsley.

However, Ainsley's raw power gave the front row a good balance to compete with their Rossendale counterparts and provided a sound platform for Kirkby to secure more ball.

The tide began to turn and it brought two well-worked tries through the backs as both wingers Gavin Thompson (who is training with the Cumbria senior squad) and Mark Squires crossed the line for unconverted scores.

Kirkby coach Drew Anderson said: "It was a much better performance from us, particularly in the second half and after being in a lowly position earlier this season, we have come a long way.

"The pack are looking good at present and while the backs can be caught lying a bit flat at times, it something we are working upon."

Kirkby will be hoping to translate the second-half form into points at Workington, who are three points and two places adrift of them in the league table.

- Kirkby Wanderers beat Rossendale Seconds 58-0 while the Thirds lost to Clitheroe.