GOAL kicks proved to be Ulverston's downfall as they took on this season's Lancashire Cup winners Portico at Dragley Beck.

An 18-8 scoreline would have been much different if the home side had not missed at goal on seven occasions.

The first 40 minutes saw Ulverston in complete control and they almost went ahead when Mike Kavanagh's drop-goal attempt shaded the posts.

The Ulverston forwards ddminated and with Kavanagh linking intelligently and giving the ball plenty of air, the points followed.

A great break from Anthony Horton put Ulverston on the attack and his pass found Wayne Fleming, who went in at the corner for an unconverted try.

Protico gave the Ulverston line some anxious moments, but the home defence stood firm and it was not long before Ulverston increased their lead to 8-0.

John Thexton made a telling break, he parted with the ball to Gary Steel and hooker Any Clough was in support to touch down.

In the second half Portico came back and a loose ball allowed Mike Horbin to swoop and go in for the try, the same player adding the goal points to make it 8-6.

Within two minutes, Protico had gone 12-8 ahead as Ashurst crossed for Horbin to converted.

Two fine breaks from Darren Botterill came to nothing and when Horton broke clear, an ankle top stopped him.

Horbin finally sealed victory for the visitors with a try and his conversion rounded off the scoring.

Dalton came back from Wigan St Pats A with a fine victory in a 26-8 scoreline after building up a 13-0 lead.

Jamie Marshall made a 50-yard break to send Richard Crearey in for the first try which Robinson converted.

Then another fine raid saw Peter Dawes go in for a try and Robinson again added the conversion to make it 12-0.

Andy Herbert dropped a great goal from 40 yards and the Crooklands side were looking good at the interval.

Dave Butler scored an early second-half try for Wigan only for Dalton to respond with a Marshall try and Robinson goal to stay ahead 19-4.

Marshall then raced 30 yards for his second try and Robinson converted.

St Pats came back with a Middleton try and sealed a fine win when Herbert dropped his second goal.