LACROSSE: POYNTON coach John Adshead paid tribute to his team despite a second successive defeat in their first season back in the Premier Division of the Men’s North of England League.

The London Road North boss was disappointed with Saturday’s 18-10 loss to Wilmslow, but is adamant his battling side have the potential to cause problems in the top flight in their return season.

"It’s a big learning curve for us playing in this division," said Adshead. "Wilmslow ripped us to pieces in the third quarter, but there was also plenty of positives to take from our performance.

"We know we can’t afford to make mistakes in this division, otherwise we’ll get punished. But we’ll get better, we’ve got a lot of good players."

Four goals from Simon McGuigan gave the Division Two champions hope, but even goals from Johnny Nicholls (2), Sam Davidson, Doug Martin, Sam Russell and captain Rob Holmes couldn’t force a fightback.

Victory for Wilmslow was their second in the Premier Division this season. The unbeaten Styal Road outfit fought back from 3-2 behind to triumph.

And having edged last season’s Senior Flags winners Manchester Waconians 11-10 on opening day last weekend, it’s been an excellent start for Mark Reynolds’ ambitious charges.

Skipper Reynolds netted a hat-trick and provided three assists, although John Mountney was the team's leading scorer with four goals. His twin brother, Chris, scored twice, as did England international Dan Green, Tommy Foster and Jon Kenney.

Ashley Tarran-Jones, Michael Jordan and Matt Cotterill were also on the scoresheet as the visitors led 6-4 at half-time and then ran away with the third quarter 8-1.

Wilmslow lost the final quarter 5-4, but by then the damage had been done as Reynolds’ men collected maximum points once again.

Wilmslow A team celebrated a hard-fought 10-9 victory over Poynton A in Division Three. James Perrin led the way with six goals and one assist, while Stuart Craig, Jason Perrin, Dave Middleton-Egan and Jimmy Acton were also on target.

Experienced campaigner Mark Hodkin supplied four assists as the home side came back from 4-3 down and survived a late comeback to win.

Wilmslow B were comfortable 19-4 victors at home to Oldham B in Division Five.

Poynton B slipped to an agonising 5-3 loss at home to Sheffield Steelers A in Division 4, while the club’s C team were beaten 16-2 at Norbury A in Division Five.