
Tyldesley began the final weekend of men’s Division 4 action at Matlock without a single point – but ended up (only just) taking fifth place and therefore qualifying for Championship 3 in the New Year.
Success was achieved thanks to a big win over York City on day one, followed by three more points today – from a 10-8 defeat of Sheffield Dolphins and a nail-biting 12-12 draw with Bridgefield.
Tyldesley looked comfortable against Bridgefield as hat-tricks by Oliver Rhodes, Adam Toone and Neil Williams secured a 12-10 lead a minute from the end. But Bridgefield scored through Jacob Graham with 43 seconds to go; then Alex Sanders equalised with just 13 seconds left.
At Aldershot, Southampton beat the British Army 14-4 to complete a perfect Division 5 campaign – seven wins out of seven. They progress confidently to Championship 3 alongside Rotherham Metro, whose goalkeeper George Jackson scored twice in the last minute of a 21-13 win against Newport, the Army, Newport and Tyldesley. Sheffield Dolphins, York City and Bridgefield go to Championship 4.
Photo (Trevor Hyde): Tyldesley's Chris Rhodes (left) and Robert Bond put Will Tomlinson under pressure in the big win over York City.