Aireborough ... 6 Wakefield Cougars...25

A JITTERY and unfocused Aireborough side made the worse possible start to their game.

Losing early line-outs through inaccurate throws and spilling high kicks, they gave their visitors a try and a penalty for a lead they hardly expected.

Stung into action, Aireborough's forwards camped on the opposition line with Tim Baxter and Tony Exley going close to scoring.

A simple penalty miss did not aid Aireborough's cause and all they had to show for their efforts at the interval were two penalties from replacement kicker Paul Mackie.

Conceding a further penalty put Aireborough in crisis and they responded as their forwards, led by Chris Dine and Paul Exley, pounded the opposition line for the try which could have changed the game.

However, the visitors held firm and won the game when, against the run of play, their full-back ran through the whole Aireborough side to score under the posts.

This was the signal for a disappointed Aireborough side to lose their organisation and their fate was sealed when they conceded a further converted try.

An improvement is essential when Aireborough visit Leeds Corinthians in the second round of the Tetley Bitter Vase on Saturday.

Corinthians 'A'...35 Aire Dragons ...6

A WEAKENED Dragons team struggled throughout against the strong Leeds outfit.

Although competing in the forwards, where they were well lead by hooker Nigel Craven, their backs had few attacking ideas despite a powerhouse performance from centre Ian Ellis who was always in the thick of the action.

Their man-of-the-match was No 8 Steve Richings who had a massive influence on the game with his covering and tackling together with taking the ball forward at every opportunity.

Dragons only points game from two penalties from stand-off Nick Stamp.

On Saturday Dragons entertain local rivals Modernians 'A' at Nunroyd Park, kick-off 3pm.