Sam Cook four tries in latest Knutsford rugby union win

He scored four tries, including the late winner, away to Manchester 2nds on Saturday and helped to create another.

This takes him to six tries and three assists in the last two league victories since returning from injury.

Knutsford trailed 28-26 with five minutes remaining of the hotly contested mid-table affair at Manchester when Cook capitalised on fine approach work and the play of the game involving Liam Boyle, Matt Cornes, Oli Mooney, James Southall and James Doherty to race over from 22 metres.

Storm Malik's 40mph winds had ebbed slightly but still caused an impact, with Knutsford having the win behind them in the first half.

Missing Jack Field and Giles Robertson, they were pleased to welcome Howard Dunkerley back into the fray and his strength and power along with that of prop Alex Hornby meant the scrum had that little bit more grunt and staying power.

The quality half-back combination of Mooney and Doherty meant quick and accurate ball reached the backs and Knutsford enjoyed the benefit of the pace and strength of both Charlie Wakefield and Gianluca Edwards on either wing.

Action pictures from the game by Tony Evans:

Manchester's pack was well disciplined and they had wily backs with good hands but also some strong bulk in midfield which Knutsford had to contend with.

Thanks to Knutsford's defensive line speed, Cook was able to intercept a Manchester pass for the opening try converted by Mooney after 10 minutes.

From a Knutsford lineout shortly after, the resulting phased forward ball retention ended with swift passing out to the backs for Doherty to find Cook who cut through for his brace, with Mooney again adding the extras.

Missed tackles contributed to Manchester getting themselves back on level terms with two converted tries of their own but midway through the first half Cook's wide pass found Edwards on a perfect angle to complete a superbly worked team try.

Discussions at half-time centred around keep the ball close, tightly packing the defence and maintaining discipline.

Manchester had the bit between their teeth though and scored from kicking ahead a Knutsford loose pass and soon added a further try after capitalising on another wayward pass to take the lead and set the scene for the final act of drama and heroics.

Even after Cook's fourth try a nervy last few minutes unfolded but the Knutsford pack maintained possession until the clock ran down.