KNUTSFORD Rugby Club’s second team have reached the NOWIRUL Plate semi-finals despite their last-eight tie not being played.

Hosts Broughton Park thirds forfeited the tie resulting in an away walkover, but both teams opted to go ahead with a friendly game.

In the match itself, Knutsford staged a superb fightback to win 24-22 despite having trailed 22-12 going into the final 20 minutes.

Broughton Park made the better start to the game, crossing the try line after 10 minutes for an unconverted score, but Knutsford soon dragged themselves level.

Kieran Slater drove in a superb carry that proved too much to stop as he touched down, with Warren Taylor off target with the conversion.

The visitors then took the lead on the stroke of half time when Fergus Grieves intercepted to score between the posts, with Gianluca Edwards’ conversion giving them a seven-point lead at the break.

However, the home side came out firing in the second half and scored three tries to take them into the 10-point lead that looked decisive.

They did not bank on a Knutsford fightback, though and front-row George Hodgkinson’s brace of tries – one of which was converted by Taylor – gave them a lead they held onto for victory.

The team are due for a home game against North Manchester seconds on Saturday while the firsts are also slated to be at home against Anselmians seconds.