LITTLE Hulton Reds ran out 20-16 winners over Ashton Bears A in North West Rugby League Men's Division Three.

It was the Reds' second victory of the league season and lifts them into eighth place on four points.

The first half was a tight affair and it wasn’t until 20 minutes had passed that Little Hulton mounted their first successful attack.

Gareth Hessian was sent through a gap in the Ashton line before displaying a turn of speed and agility to go round two Bears defenders and score out wide. The conversion missed Little Hulton had a 4-0 lead.

Ashton repeatedly drove at the Reds line but were left frustrated by resolute defending.

With just a few minutes remaining Little Hulton were finally broken down by the visitors and the sides went in at half time level, 4-4.

Playing downhill and with the wind at their backs, Little Hulton started the second half in confident fashion.

Kyle Macdonaugh put the Reds on the attack with an excellent high bomb which the Bears could not collect.

Little Hulton reclaimed possession and Mike Jones demonstrated his handling skills to send his support runner, Vinton, in beside the posts. Jones then converted to give Little Hulton a 10-4 lead.

Just as they had in the first half, the Wigan side replied with a try of their own, however they were helped by the Reds loss of Kade Griffiths who was forced off with a broken collar bone.

Ashton continued to grow in confidence and began to dominate the tie. Following a further try for each side the Bears took the lead for the first time with 15 minutes to go, 14-16.

With time ticking away the game looked to have escaped the reds, but then Alan Hargreaves stood up to snatch victory.

The centre beat three men before outpacing the Bears fullback in a race to the line for one final try. Macdonaugh converted to confirm a hard fought 20-16 win.

Little Hulton now have two weeks off before their next game on May 16th against Leigh East A.

Bolton Mets did not play at the weekend, but return to action on Saturday when they host fourth-placed Blackpool Scorpions in the same division.