Wakefield Cougars.30

Aireborough.............21

IN a pulsating Yorkshire Silver Trophy semi-final Aireborough gave a magnificent performance of which their large travelling support could be proud.

In an electric opening two minutes, stand-off Paul Mackie made a classic 60 metre jinking run to the line to rock the opposition.

With prop Dave Greenwood instrumental in taking several scrum balls against the head, Aireborough were looking good, but after ten minutes the opposition's power showed when a converted try gave them an ominous lead.

A midfield break by centre Peter Booth led to scrum-half John Bottomley restoring Aireborough's lead with a penalty but the opposition's slick backs, who were beginning to show their class, scored a converted try to re-take the lead.

Aireborough were dominating the lines with lock Richard Fall giving a virtuoso performance and this possession led to a sweeping backs move as full-back Mike Neild entered the line to put winger Matt Graves over in the corner.

This brought his side to within one point of the opposition. A penalty soon extended the home side's lead but at 13-17 points down at half-time Aireborough were very much in contention.

Conceding a try immediately after the break was a body blow to Aireborough but they kept their discipline in what developed into a bruising encounter as their back row trio of Tony Exley, Martin Hemsley and Jon Rhodes were in the thick of the action.

A penalty from John Bottomley was a reward for their efforts but conceding a fourth try made the score 16-27 with the outlook bleak for Aireborough.

Showing great resolve, however, they struck back when, from a set line-out move, replacement prop Tim Baxter twisted and turned through tackles as his speed took him to the corner for his best try of the season.

At 21-27 down, Aireborough launched all-out attacks but were thwarted by experienced opposition who, with the last kick of the game, sealed their win in what had been an absorbing contest.

l Aireborough return to league action on Saturday when they entertain Adwick-le-Street (kick-off 3pm).