WESTHOUGHTON Lions beat Runcorn 38-26 to record a double in North West Men's Division Four.

There were problems pre-match for the Lions with half the team stuck in traffic and the game was delayed by 15 minutes.

But that did not affect them as they started well – structured in attack and resolute in defence.

The visitors' second attacking set saw Simon Speakman's kick cause problems in Runcorn's defence allowing him to re-gather and score. He converted the kick – the first of five successes on the day – to give Westhoughton a 6-0 lead.

The hosts responded and after 10 minutes, after some needlessly conceded penalties by the Lions, the pressure told and Runcorn scored.

A quick pep talk and a request to cut out the penalties seemed to galvanise the visitors and they stepped up their defensive duties.

Getting the ball back in their own area, they marched down the field through great work from the forward line of Jay Markland, Mark Hart, Jimmy Waite and Rick Pennington.

Some excellent footwork from half-back Shaun Markland then released Ryan Berry to score to make it 10-4.

Late arrival, full-back Stu Jarvis, then came on as Lions reverted to their preferred set-up.

Shaun Markland then had an impact again as he stepped, skipped and slipped defenders to score.

This was quickly followed by Jack Davy's first try of the season.

Centre Matty Meehan worked a good position on Runcorn's 10-yard line and a quick play of the ball allowed Shaun Markland to take it to the line before feeding Davy to score and make it 20-4 at half time.

Runcorn's forward line tried to impose themselves after the break but an attack fell down after a fine tackle by winger John Evans.

A spilled ball was recovered by stand-off Jimmy Haydock who raced to the posts only to be stopped on the 20-yard line. Moving the ball right to left, he released man of the match Louis Townsend to score.

The Lions were now flying and another attacking set saw prop Hart run a scintillating inside off Shaun Markland's left shoulder to score and make it 32-4.

It looked like the game was wrapped up but a loss of concentration saw Runcorn run in two quick tries.

Ryan Berry then scored for the Lions after running 70 yards.

Not to be out done Runcorn came back and crossed twice more but Westhoughton held on.