IT proved to be another comfortable afternoon for Kirkby Lonsdale skipper Matt Hughes as his side cruised to victory over out of form Broughton Park.

Kirkby had their bonus point secured by half time for the second week in a row and ran out eventual 27-47 winners in a dominant away display.

Broughton started the brighter of the sides and secured an initial 8-0 lead, something Hughes blames partly on his own side's shortcomings but partly on the referee as well.

"We were a bit slow and we didn't receive the kick off well which put us in trouble," said Hughes.

"We then gave away a penalty which let them kick the three points but the try that put them eight points up was a bad refereeing decision - it was a clear knock on. It was frustrating because we won and got the bonus point but when you are doing the best you can and it looks like it was a bad defensive display but it wasn't."

Kirkby's game plan was to weather the early storm they knew Broughton would be bringing their way, then capitalise once their opponents began to tire or their confidence dropped.

Hughes said: "We said before kick-off that we knew they would come at us strong because they've lost a couple at home but we said that once we weathered that storm and got our noses in front their confidence would drop. We always knew we had the quality and ability to beat them. It was a slow start and then suddenly it's 33-8 at half time. It was brilliant to have the bonus point done and dusted."

Tom Pickthall was in fine kicking form slotting six out of seven attempts between the posts.

He has been a regular performer all season long and it was no surprise to his skipper that he kept the points ticking over.

"They were all difficult kicks," Hughes commented.

"He's in the team every week and consistently delivers. He probably doesn't stand out as much as Barton or Walker but he's just as important."

Kirkby entertain Eccles at Underley Park on Saturday inn a game they are expected to win.

Hughes is hoping victory will set them up for a top of the table showdown with Birkenhead Park.

He said: "If we get five points against Eccles and then five points at Birkenhead it will take us top. We don't fear anyone in this league and I expect us to get a result against Birkenhead."