Manchester 24 Earth Titans 28

Gareth Brear scored the pick of the tries as the Titans clawed back a 17-0 deficit to win 28-24 against Division Two Manchester.

Trialist Alex Hyman made an excellent break before feeding the advancing full-back to score on the left wing and put the visitors ahead for the first time after a disastrous opening 15 minutes in which Manchester exploited gaping holes in defence to establish a commanding lead.

The lively Michael Kirkwood charged, blocked and gathered before igniting the comeback with a try near the sticks on 16 minutes before Ben Wade crashed over from close range after Tom Allen secured good territory with an electric break from his own 22 metre line.

Ledowyk Strauss, who later left the field with a gashed eye, converted all three first half tries but Manchester turned around in front after scoring a late try.

Strauss restored the lead just after the break after collecting a switch pass from fly-half Allen and converted what proved to be the final score of the game.

The physical presence of Wade and Louie McGowan was key for the Titans who thoroughly deserved the win.

"It was an encouraging performance from a combination of new senior players and last year's Under 21's," said 'A' Team Coach Craig West.

"Effort and endeavour were at their maximum and although there are things that we will have to work on, overall it was a pleasing performance."