Birstall back to winning form in style

Ryan Ginnely scored a hat-trick of tries and was joint MoM in Birstall Vics victory last week.

The Vic had a try disallowed inside the opening 30 seconds and then went on to concede five successive penalties, which allowed Sheffield to take a 6-0 lead.

The Vic then began to take control after this rocky start with the pack running strongly through Trevor West, Andy Stillwell, Craig Stevens and Phil Hartley,backed up with some outstanding defence from loose forward Matthew Gowland.

West broke the line on 13 minutes to get within 20 yards of the Sheffield line.

From the play the ball, neat passing between hooker Ryan Hardwick, scrum-half Brendan Sheridan and stand- off Dean Arundel put centre Ryan Ginnely in the clear to score in the corner.

A great 40-yard break from Phil Hartley, this time followed by quick passing from Arundel and second row Matthew Smith, put Ginnely clear for his second try of the game.

Just five minutes later, Ginnely turned provider, as he linked superbly with Smith, second row Dave Dyson and Arundell.

The Vic created an overlap on the left for Ginnely to send winger Josh Lockwood in for his first try of the season.

The first half master class from centre Ginnely was completed after 35 minutes, when once again, Arundel tormented the Sheffield defence before passing to Ginnely who completed his 22 minute hat-trick.

Goalkicker Mick Dyson had a disappointing first half with the boot and the Vic only led 18-6 at half-time.

Birstall began the second well when they received a penalty 20 yards out, and from the tap Andy Stillwell carried four Sheffield players over the line with him to score in the right corner.

Arundel crossed after linking with Sheridan and Ginnely beforeHartley powered over from 10 yards.

Dyson added both conversions to round-off a great all round display.

Joint man-of-the-match was awarded to Ginnely and Gowland and the Vic travel to Elland A this Saturday looking for a similar performance as they seek an away win.