West Bowling came within three minutes of knocking holders Skirlaugh out of the fifth Round of the BARLA National Cup.

Bowling were reduced to 11 men after the dismissal of Peter Simpson and the sin-binning of scrum-half Gareth McKinley but battled hard before eventually losing 22-12 after extra time in a thrilling match.

Bowling opened their account with a great try from centre Martin Tordoff after two early Skirlaugh penalties.

Winger Paul Gardner then raced away to touch down and John Helliwell added the conversion.

When the second row forward scored another penalty Bowling looked to be on their way to a famous victory leading 12-4 at the break.

But a Skirlaugh try closed the gap, and when Simpson was dismissed for a head-high tackle and McKinley sent to the sin bin for dissent Bowling had to stage a backs-to-the-wall finale.

They nearly completed the task but with only three minutes to go the Humberside outfit crossed in the corner to level the scores at 12-12.

Extra time proved too much for Bowling and the holders took advantage of superior numbers to earn a flattering final score.

In the third round of the Pennine Presidents Cup Clayton won a thriller 26-20 at Ovenden.

The Villagers never looked back after opening a 6-0 lead thanks to a great try from second row forward Andy Stephenson which was converted by Darren Collins.

Ovenden gave a good account of themselves, but Clayton were good value for their 18-14 interval lead with further efforts from Dave Todd and Richard Wood both converted by Collins.

The second half highlight was another try from the superb Todd. Collins scored the conversion and two drop-goals before Ovenden scored a late try.

Wyke found visitors Birkenshaw in mean mood and were sent crashing to a 48-8 defeat at Towngate.

Birkenshaw booked their place in the quarter-finals when they raced to a 30-0 half-time lead with a first-half hat-trick from winger Jason Brooksbank plus solo efforts from full back Simon Armitage and centre John Turpin.

The second half was again dominated by Brooksbank who crossed for two more tries to give him five in total. Jarrod Toulson landed ten successful kicks.

Division Three pace setters West Bowling A put out Division One leaders Undercliffe 36-29 at Bankfoot.

Chris Scott, Steve Gregory, Ian Wormald and Chris Jesson scored a try each for Bowling while Jason Woolham scored two tries and six goals.

Bowling prop forward Mick Gorman was the man of the match with a towering performance.

In the third round of the Shipley Trophy Queensbury A reached the semi-finals following a fine 26-12 win at Sowerby Bridge Robins A, despite trailing 12-0 in the first half-hour.

Stand-off Andy Thornton narrowed the gap with a try near the posts converted by hooker Steven Gallagher.

The introduction of substitute forward Martin Kemp changed Queensbury's fortunes when he crossed for two tries in the opening ten minutes of the second half.

Further efforts from winger Paul Skelton plus a try and three goals from Shaun Fallon completed the scoring.

In Pennine Division Four Victoria Rangers retain second place after their 34-24 win at home to Liversedge.

Rangers' tries came from Ray Greenwood with two, Jason Pounder, Darren Ross, Nick Snell and Danny York. Phil Greenwood kicked five goals.

New boys Banktop Harriers had a 42-6 success in their friendly against Greetland A.

Second row forward Lee Fowler scored a hat trick.

Victoria Rangers A lost their friendly at Wetherby 56-6 with man of the match Steve Lightowler their solitary try scorer.

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