A much depleted Orrell played their "get out of jail" card against a well organised Haydock who benefitted from a superb kicking display by their stand- off.

Haydock opened the scoring after a series of penalties driving in under the posts to take an early lead but O.S.J. replied quickly; a great pass by Pyke and a break by full- back Jack Mc Hugh giving Capt. Jake Williams a stroll in which was converted by Brad Roby. An inspired spell gave Orrell a well deserved lead, Dave Kennedy setting the ball rolling with a long range effort before another Mc Hugh break gave Kennedy his second. Roby converted but poor defence let Haydock back in the game at 12 - 16 at half time.

A see-saw second half saw a Jake Williams burst putting centre Thomas Livesley in, again converted, but Haydock were not to be outdone. Carl Dingsdale scored twice converted by centre Dean Dollin to level the scores at 22- 22. Hayton Damien put O.S.J. ahead again but Haydock looked to have won the game through scores by Danny Gee and conversions by Dollin to go ahead 32 - 26 with only a few minutes left. However, Sam Baggeley scored, Roby converted and indiscipline by a desperate Haydock defence gave Roby the chance to take the spoils.

A victory for grit and determination by this very young Orrell side with rich promise for the future.

Dennis Mc Hugh