WEST Bowling are finding it tough to adjust to life in the National Conference League Premier Division, with a second successive heavy defeat leaving them rooted to the foot of the table.

But their 40-4 thumping at the hands of visitors Siddal does not quite tell the whole story.

The newly-promoted Bradford side had lost their opener 36-6 at West Hull, so this second league game of the season marked their first on home soil at Horsfall.

And they produced a bright first half, with winger Charlie Barrett crossing to score.

It was a low-scoring first 40 minutes, with Bowling just 10-4 behind at the break, but Siddal showed their class in the second half.

With full back Lewis Hosty in particularly sensational form, the visitors scored 30 unanswered points after the interval to record an emphatic win to go fourth in the table.

Neither Heworth nor Lock Lane have won yet either, but Bowling sit bottom due to their inferior points difference compared to those two.

In Division One, Stanningley were unable to get the better of visitors Dewsbury Moor Maroons, the latter winning 24-14 to maintain their unbeaten league record so far.

Down in Division Three, a converted try from Lewis Hallas was not enough for Drighlington, as they lost 14-6 at home to Distington.

They are still playing friendlies in the Yorkshire Men’s League, with the league season not getting underway until next month.

Birkenshaw Blue Dogs Academy warmed up nicely for competitive action though, winning 34-6 at Guiseley Rangers on Saturday.

Keighley Albion also enjoyed an away friendly win, as they beat Castleford Panthers 22-12.