Clayton 14

Illingworth 31

Clayton surrendered an early six-point advantage to slide to a costly defeat against Premier Division title-chasing rivals Illingworth at Lidget Green.

The hosts showed their intent from the kick-off with a crunching tackle from second-row forward Chris Parkinson on opposite number Gareth Halliday and, after pounding the visitors' line, a subtle pass from hooker Peter Milnes put prop John Parkinson steaming over from ten metres out.

Parkinson added the extras but Clayton were under the cosh when they dropped the ball straight from the kick-off, giving Illingworth the opportunity to camp in their half.

The inevitable reply came when wingman Aaron Brown squeezed in at the corner. Then scrum half Scott Holt nearly put the hosts further in front but lost the ball.

The Halifax side's speed in the three-quarters caused palpitations in the home ranks, and wingman Paul Rawson slotted a penalty to level the scores when they were forced to lie-on in the tackle.

Illingworth's danger-man Dean Williams enhanced his reputation as the best centre in the Pennine League when he recovered from a half-tackle to scamper over.

And he rubbed salt into the wound shortly afterwards when he raced on to a dropped ball, rounded full back Damian Hunter with ease and planted the ball under the uprights.

Rawson added both conversions, which, together with a drop goal from hooker Wayne Caswell, put the visitors clear.

Clayton needed some inspiration, and a sparkling 40-metre run from Johnny Grogan did the trick. He was held inches short and centre partner Eddie Harney was rewarded for excellent support play when he took the quick play-of-the-ball to dive over, Illingworth being 19-10 in front at half-time.

The hosts' chances were revived on the restart when Chris Parkinson burrowed between defenders for a try.

However, Illingworth cut loose again. Hunter saved the day with Caswell looking a certain scorer, and centre Daley Williams put another simple chance to ground.

Rawson added a penalty and converted a simple try from prop Andy Greenway. A darting run from home wingman Danny Caston came to nothing, and a last-gasp try from substitute Paul Ackroyd gave the visitors a lop-sided victory.