BACK to the league on Saturday 14 February, for Southport after last weeks National Cup game. After the performance against the high flying Cumbrians had Southport carried on where they left of this game should have been won. Although the team are improving with each game there is just that something missing, but when it eventually comes together and it will, Southport will start to compete and move up the leagues. Saturdays game started well with Southport completing two sets of six with a good kick and chase but the first mistake and Bolton scored the first try. It was always going to be a close game and both teams struggling to make the break, both defenses working hard to contain, some strong running by both sets of forwards. Some good attacks from Southport failed to turn work rate into points. Captain Danny Sinclair was pushing the forwards all the way with Frank Dunn and Chris Brown taking some big yards and Neil Newton causing problems for the Bolton defense. Bolton were always looking to take advantage of any Southport mistake and again Southport came up with one and another try for Bolton. At 8-0 the game could have got out of hand for Southport but after good attacking play and a great finish by Brad Hart brought Southport back into the game with a try, Kevin Hall converting. Now the game was anybody’s but as time went on neither side managed to gain the upper hand. Half time and at 6-8 down Southport had it all to play for.

The game restarted and defense from both sides was up to the mark, any breaks well covered. Southport were now starting to just take control with Brad Hart, Mike Hornby and Chris Dresher causing all sorts of problems out wide but could not break some good Bolton defense. A very fortunate bounce as rugby balls tend to do brought a try for Bolton. More end to end rugby more basic rugby more hard rugby and another mistake, a penalty gave Bolton the yards up field resulting in a try. 20- 6 up and only ten minutes left, Bolton looked to be well on the way to taking the two league points. But Southport worked hard putting some good rugby together Vinny Roberts going close Mick Hornby having a perfectly good try disallowed as the referee was unsighted. Some strong running from substitutes John Horrocks and Dave Beadle brought Southport good field position, Neil Newton finishing a fine attack with a try again converted by Hall. Only five minutes left and the visitors defense was up to the task and they held on for the win.

Man of the Match:- Brad Hart.

Final Score:- Southport 12 with Bolton 20

There is no league game for next week but a non-league match will be arranged.

Anyone interested in Rugby League can contact Doug Parkin 01772 813015 or Brian Clifford 01704 833053.

GLASS (Green Lane Association) is determined to prevent recreational vehicle drivers from causing damage to the countryside, by encouraging them to adhere to a specially written Code of Conduct.

The Code covers a number of points that relate to caring for and preserving the countryside and GLASS is in the process of updating the guidelines and reminding all its members of its importance.

The Code states that only rights of way with proven vehicular rights should be driven. If there is any doubt over an unsurfaced road, it should be avoided. Drivers should keep to defined tracks, only making detours to pass immovable obstructions. Drivers should report blockages to the highway authority and local GLASS area representatives, many of whom will work to remove obstructions.

Drivers are also asked to travel at a ‘quiet and unobtrusive pace’, which is recommended as no faster than 12 mph when on an unsurfaced road. At this speed, the risk of damage is much reduced. Some drivers enjoy green laning in groups, but there should be no more than four vehicles together. This helps reduce noise and disturbance, which may offend other countryside users. They should always allow walkers and horse riders to pass, even if it means a vehicle has to pull over. 

One of the most important points of the Code of Conduct asks drivers not to use unsurfaced roads when they risk being affected beyond a point of natural recovery, once the weather improves. This means that if driving a route in the winter will damage it so that it will remain damaged for the rest of the year, it should be avoided. If need be, drivers should walk parts of a route about which they are unsure, to check its suitability. Damage related to the wheel pressure applied by a vehicle as well as that which may be caused to trees, hedgerows and boundaries should be considered. Some byways carry vehicular rights of way, but are physically too narrow for many 4x4s to use.

The full Code of Conduct endorsed by GLASS can be found on the organisation’s website.  

4x4 drivers, bike riders, horse riders and walkers alike are being actively encouraged to read the Code, inform others of it and follow it. Members of the public who witness illegal or damaging use of the countryside should report them, with details of location, time and vehicle registrations to the police.

GLASS aims to preserve ancient vehicular rights of way by raising the profile of responsible Green Lane users in the public eye and to promote responsible driving.