The kicking of debutant stand off Shane Lynch proved decisive as Fleetwood Sharks ended table topping Bamber Bridge’s unbeaten start to the season on their own patch. In a hard fought, and high scoring game, both teams ran in 8 tries but the visitors came out on top by 46 points to 38.

By virtue of their playing every week (despite their mixed bag of results so far this season) two of the top three met in Blackpool, as Stanley hosted Salford Central. Salford started poorly and went in 12-0 down at half time, yet showed great heart to come back and bring the scores level thanks to two tries from their captain Matty Gilligan. Two soft tries in the last five minutes undid their hard work though, as Blackpool Stanley triumphed 24-12.

Wigan Riversiders Eels dip in form continued as they fell at home to Burnley & Pendle, who recorded their first win of the season. Fourteen points from Kyle Fisher and a hat-trick from Shayne McCullough were enough to take the points back to after the home team had clawed their way back level from 28-10 down with only 8 minutes to go.

Bridge Bar Bandits were victorious on their visit to Bolton Ruffians, but the home side, who are comprised mainly of union players, will be encouraged by their first points on the board in their second game of rugby league. The final score at Avenue Street was 62-32.

It was a new line in a similar refrain in Ellesmere Port, with James Callaghan picking up a fourth consecutive man of the match in a gallant defeat. Tries from Chris Smith and Matt Durham were not enough as Lymm Wolves came on strong at the end to win 34-12. This week they continue the hunt for their first win against Chester Gladiators ‘A’, whose only win so far this year came against Port.

In other matches this weekend, the top six are all in action with Fleetwood Sharks hosting Bamber Bridge (2.30PM) in the pick of the ties. Salford Central are again on the road, this time visiting Burnley & Pendle (2.30PM) whilst Blackpool Stanley welcome another Salford team this week, with the City Roosters travelling to the coast (2PM).

Elsewhere, Bridge Bar Bandits are up against Little Hulton Reds (2.30PM) and Bolton Ruffians host Wigan Riversiders Eels (2PM), where both teams will be looking to come out with something better than what they have managed in their last two outings.