The Premier Division title chase is set for a nail-biting finale with the top four teams entering the closing stages having lost just three games each.

Birkenshaw stepped up their challenge by completing a double over Park Amateurs with a well-earned 14-4 succes which enabled them to pull level with Elland at the top on 24 points.

But third-placed Queensbury - two points behind the leaders with two games in hand - lost 9-8 to neighbours Ovenden who are a further point behind the leaders.

Birkenshaw carved out their win with a superb first half display. Tries from full back Morton Robinson and centre Richard Cousin were both converted by Leon Crick for a 12-0 lead.

In the second half a good tackling stint snuffed out a late challenge from the visitors. A further Crick goal rounded off a comfortable home win.

Queensbury's HillTop ground was waterlogged so the match was switched to Hipperholme School at Lightcliffe but a heavy pitch made open rugby an impossibility.

Ovenden led 6-2 at the interval with Queensbury's points coming from a Johnny Feather penalty.

A strong second half comeback saw centre Trevor Stead cross for a splendid try which was converted by Feather to level the scores at 8-8. Ovenden had the final say with a late John Craven drop goal.

Scrum half Carl Smith had an outstanding game for Queensbury and was the best player on show.

West Bowling A keep pole position in Division Two following their impressive 16-0 win at rivals Huddersfield YMCA. The first half was a close encounter with Bowling edging 2-0 in front thanks to a penalty from scrum half Jason Woolham.

They continued to use their giant forwards in the second half to bludgeon the home side's defence and when full back Mark Cooper was held inches short after a 50 metre charge, centre Chris Scott crossed in the corner.

Substitute prop Andy Claypole celebrated his return from Army duty in Kosovo with a barnstorming run to the posts. Woolham added the conversion and loose forward Chris Jesson put the game beyond any doubt when he cantered in for a try.

Victoria Rangers look certain to be crowned Division Three champions following their 74-5 home win over strugglers Underbank Rangers A.

Both sides agreed to play for four points and the resulting demolition job ensured that the Vics kept their unbeaten league record intact.

Centre Mickey Foulding scored five tries and was well supported with further touchdowns from winger Keiran McDonald (3) and a hat trick and four goals from coach Phil Helliwell who was making a rare appearance. Prop Steve Maycock had a towering game in a rampant pack scoring two excellent touchdowns.

Queensbury A moved into third place after securing a 20-10 win at Sowerby Spartans.

A try from Liam Holmes allowed them to turn around 6-4 in arrears but they took the match by the scruff of the neck to score further touchdowns from Andy Barraclough, Jason Pell and Gareth McKinley. Two conversions from Steven Gallagher gave them breathing space.

Keighley Albion A went down 14-2 at Illingworth A.

On a wet and miserable day Albion tried their best on a swamp of a pitch but could not take their chances against a well-drilled Illingworth.

Silsden Park Rangers' Division Four title hopes were dealt a blow when they went down 18-6 to Dodworth Rangers. Matt Horne scored their only try and John Williams converted.

Keighley Town scored a 22-12 victory over West Bowling C. Andy Backo, Naheem Anwar and Tony Fudge (two) scored tries while Alan Muff kicked two conversions and Micky Metcalfe one.