Crossleyans 8 Aireborough 12

Aireborough continued their excellent recent good form on Saturday with a hard-earned 12-8 victory over an Old Crossleyans XV in Halifax.

Playing on a sub standard pitch due to the weather, Aireborough soon took the initiative attacking their bigger opponents from the start. Unfortunately after only ten minutes youngster James Darkins suffered a re-occurrence off his ankle injury and had to be replaced by the not so youthful Tony Exley.

The replacement soon proved his worth, however, crashing over from ten yards for an unconverted try. This stirred the home side and weak tackling soon led to a try for the home team to level the scores.

The play continued back and forth with the referee amusing the crowd with his inconsistent display. However just before half-time prop Tim Baxter scored a great try from a quick penalty under the posts, which Nick Holdsworth converted.

In the second-half the home team were soon using the slope to attack Aireborough, who defended very well despite not being fit after the Christmas break.

This led to the home team becoming frustrated, so much so that they resorted to foul play which the referee could not handle and so in the end he blew up early, leaving the visitors victorious.

Ben Thomas had a fine debut for Aireborough with Steve Brewer also in fine form.

l On Saturday both teams play Adwick-le-Street, with the first XV at home, kick-off 2.15pm.