Amateur Rugby League: West Bowling had the opportunity to take a major step towards the Pennine League title, but were unable to overcome a physical and determined Park Amateurs side and eventually went down by 34-22.

Bowling are now level on points at the top with their conquerors but have played a game more.

Park made their intentions clear early on and it wasn't long before they were penalised for foul play which resulted in Bowling centre Andy Leek having to leave the field to receive treatment.

Bowling defended well in the early stages against the home side, who seemed to start that little bit quicker, but Park appeared to have broken the deadlock when a sweeping crossfield move saw their left centre plunge over the line only for him to drop the ball.

Bowling were not let off the hook completely, however, and in the last ten minutes of the first half Park took a grip of the game and posted two short-range tries which saw them go in at the half-time two scores in front at 16-4.

The second half proved to be a see-saw affair with Bowling pegging back Park's lead to only six points on two occasions through good support play.

Park, however, always seemed to have the advantage after leading at the break and despite tries by the outstanding Adie Priestley and Phil Chappel and a try apiece from Dean Garside and Paul Gardner Bowling were left wondering what might have been.

Clayton gave Queensbury a shock by beating them 20-12 to end their dreams of becoming champions. Clayton, who had lost their previous two meetings with 'Bury were clearly in the mood to put a stop to the trend and were quick to take control.

Clayton notched up 20 first half points with 'Bury only managing a penalty goal from Steve Gallagher.

'Bury fared much better in the second 40 minutes with their wingers Darren Brown and Gallagher both crossing for tries, one of which was successfully goaled. 'Bury also strengthened their defence and managed to restrict Clayton to their first half haul of 20 points, but with 'Bury running out of time Clayton were rewarded for their early efforts and ran out worthy winners.

Queensbury A finished easy winners over Rotherham A by 44-24. Shaun Fallon again stole the show by scoring three tries and kicking four goals and with Under-18 Gareth Hobson having a cracking debut 'Bury were left happy with a good day's work.

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