Rugby Union: Littleborough Rugby Union Thirds 69 - 5 Hope Valley

Littleborough Rugby Union Thirds continued their relentless pursuit of the league title with a sensational performance and victory at home to Hope Valley.

Ending the game with a deserved victory, Littleborough third team maintained their four game winning streak as well as continuing a perfect home record this season of nine wins at home without loss.

The visitors played their part in a riveting and expansive game.

From the start Littleborough took the initiative and caught Hope Valley cold. The Boro forwards hard graft often gets forgotten when it leads to tries for their team mates in the back division, however, before the backs could take the glory, Littleborough scored their first try of the afternoon with Anthony Stephenson touching down on the back of a deft kick through to the end zone from a suspicious knock on.

This was also his last action as he limped off.

More good work in the forwards allowed centre James Muir time to throw a no look pass over his head to flanker turned full back for the afternoon Bob Colenutt to run in his first in this month.

Determined not to let the long journey be wasted Hope Valley responded with a try of their own to reduce the arrears.

As much as the visitors tried to hold off the relentless Boro pressure exerted on them they could not do so.

Outside centre Anthony Bamford wriggled over before Muir scored the first of his three and prop Matt Wild went over to give Littleborough a commanding lead.

Fly half Tom Travis touched down either side of half time to leave him with a points total of 24 for the afternoon.

As the second half progressed Littleborough's stand in captain Paul Deacon attempted a comedy swan dive over the try line only to see that there had been a knock on in the process so was ruled out. He would have the final laugh however as he would go on to score again but in a legitimate fashion.   

Littleborough continued to keep up their intensity and composure as scrum half James Staniland and James Muir (two) added further tries.

With Littleborough's title rivals keeping hot on their heels, this large points difference could have a big say come the end of the season.

Next Saturday sees a top of the table clash with Wilmslow Thirds.