Helsby 5 Knutsford 31

KNUTSFORD celebrated back-to-back league wins for the first time this season when they won at bottom side Helsby on Saturday.

Having defeated South Lancs/Cheshire Division Three league leaders Ramsey in their previous outing, Blues fought back from a try down to claim a deserved victory.

But for some fine defending, as well as a series of unforced errors from the hosts, the visitors might have been further adrift before they recovered.

However as the half progressed the Knutsford pack took control of the set piece and, after a sustained period of pressure, they were rewarded with a try when Dave Bell crashed over.

The away team began the second period as they ended the first, taking the game to their opponents, and

Jon Fuller made a vital pass for Alex Malcolm to finish a flowing move.

Blues gained further reward when Frazer Crawford added a fine individual effort with a run from the halfway line.

Malcolm converted to establish a 12-point lead.

They remained in control despite both sides losing a player to the sin bin, though when another Knutsford player was yellow-carded Helsby could have taken the initiative.

However the hosts could not make the advantage count, Knutsford’s defence holding firm.

Instead they increased their lead when winger Matt Hunter scored a fourth try, again converted by Malcolm, to earn for his side a bonus point.

Blues closed out the game, and in the final play hooker Sam Dawson crashed over for a fifth try to which Malcolm added the extras.

Knutsford will target a third successive victory when they host Wallasey on Saturday week, April 11, before completing the campaign at home to Linley seven days later.