A second-half hat-trick from centre Tom Hainsworth propelled Queensbury into the BARLA ACE Insurance National Cup quarter-finals after a 16-14 win at Haydock.

Queensbury looked to be on the way out of the competition as their North West Counties summer-based hosts established a 14-0 interval lead.

But it was all hands to the pumps in the second period in a display that left player-coach Andy Senior purring with pride.

“We showed immense character after the break and gradually wore Haydock down, with the pack dominating events,” said Senior.

“This provided the platform for Hainsworth to grab his hat-trick, then wingman Scott Swann slotted over a penalty with five minutes to go to see us home.

“Lee Kelly, Joe Walker and Dan Hawksworth were also colossal as we completely controlled the game.”

Queensbury have drawn Pennine League colleagues Slaithwaite Saracens at home in the last eight, with the Championship Division rivals clashing on Saturday, March 1.

The Pennine President’s Cup second-round tie between Bank Top Harriers and Upton was abandoned after 15 minutes due to an injury.

The Harriers’ hard work in preparing their second pitch at the Delph, after Lidget Green was declared waterlogged, proved in vain after wingman Tom Leech suffered a broken leg.

Bank Top had opened the scoring when centre Jason Gelder crossed, prompting a two-try reply from the Pontefract visitors.

Upton led 10-6 before the referee called a halt to the contest, with the rematch now scheduled for this coming Saturday.