Victoria Rangers marched into the second round of the Pennine Presidents' Cup with a 33-8 success at home to Halifax Irish.

A close game looked to be in prospect with both teams topping Division Two, but once the Vics had seen off early Irish pressure it was one-way traffic from there on in.

Phil Helliwell's boys had the game by the scruff of the neck and led 22-0 at the interval.

Their speedy three-quarters caused havoc in the Halifax ranks with centre Mick Faulding posting a hat trick.

Winger Keiran McDermott scored two tries and Jamie Green crossed with scrum half Chris Robinson kicking four goals plus a drop goal.

Queensbury came within two minutes of knocking Lindley Swifts out in the opening round. Bury - who were ahead until the closing stages - built on a 12-4 half-time lead.

They looked to be through to round two at 18-12 but Lindley - who are not the Yorkshire Cup holders for nothing - levelled the scores and forced extra time. They then rubbed salt into the wound by scoring ten points to win 28-18.

Birkenshaw lost 38-4 at home to Division One leaders Illingworth. Birky gave one of their worst displays in years and trailed 16-0 at half time. Their only consolation came from a splendid try from their old war-horse prop-forward Andy Redmond who raced in from 20 metres for Birky's' only points in a sorry show.

Clayton went out 24-16 at Thornhill Trojans. The Villagers' in-form forward Danny Murgatroyd scored two tries and fellow prop Mark Anderson joined him on the scoreboard.

Hooker Peter Milnes kicked goal plus two-drop goals. Clayton should have shut up shop when they led 15-8 with 20 minutes to go but they drifted badly and spilled possession.

West Bowling A got back to winning ways with a 13-6 win at Keighley Town. Bowling centre Chris Jesson crossed for a brace both converted by scrum-half Dean Garside.

Recent signs of improvement were non-existent as Guiseley Rangers were beaten 44-16 against Rotherham. The First Division South Yorkshire outfit tore through some poor defence to establish a commanding lead after only 20 minutes.

In the first round of the Shipley Trophy, Queensbury A had a walkover when Silsden Rangers failed to raise a team.

West Bowling B lost 20-7 at Underbank Rangers A. Half back Martin Wright was in excellent form and did not deserve to be on the losing side.

In Division Four, Wyke are firmly rooted at the bottom after losing 38-18 at home to Birkenshaw A. Birky's veteran centre Dave Burton did most of the damage with two tries and there was a man-of- the-match performance from halfback James Firth.