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Rafferty Leeds by example

21/11/2007

GARY Rafferty was the inspiration as Oldham St Annes returned to winning ways with a comprehensive 40-2 victory over East Leeds.

The full-back contributed 24 points as Saints were made to work hard until the final whistle by their young and enthusiastic opponents.

Tries from Rafferty and Kevin Collins, the first goaled by Rafferty, saw Saints 10-2 up at half-time.

Second-half tries from Eric Johnson (two), Lee Forsyth and two more from Rafferty – who also added five goals – gave the Saints victory.

Saddleworth Rangers were also victorious, seeing off Eccles and Salford Juniors 32-6.

They were 20-0 ahead at half-time thanks to tries from James Whalley, Chris Garforth and Gareth Davies, Michael Coates converting all three and adding a penalty before he scored two converted second-half tries.

Elsewhere, Higginshaw gave Widnes St Maries a good test before eventually losing 30-10.

Trailing to an early converted try, Higginshaw spurned several chances by taking the wrong option with the line in sight.

They were made to pay as Widnes opened up a 16-0 lead at the break, adding to that with another converted try 10 minutes into the second half.

To their credit, Higginshaw replied with two tries in 10 minutes through Steve Perry, Ryan O’Donnell kicking a conversion.

A pair of late tries gave Widnes victory, although they later admitted that it was their toughest game of the season to date.