An injury-hit West Bowling side continue to struggle in the National Conference League Premier Division.

The newly-promoted side had their best chance of a league victory yet on Saturday, going up against fellow strugglers Lock Lane.

But the Castleford-based hosts came out on top in the basement battle, winning 30-18 to leave their Bradford visitors as the only side without a point so far in the top flight.

On his first league start of the season due to suspension, Dan Halmshaw crossed the whitewash from an unfamiliar position, playing at scrum half, with brother Archie playing in his favoured hooker spot.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Dan Halmshaw scored on his return to the starting line-up.Dan Halmshaw scored on his return to the starting line-up. (Image: John Ashton.)

The other try scorers for Bowling were Nathaniel Light and Lewis Camden, while Bradley Wright landed all three conversions on offer.

As is so often the case, forward Ollie Bartle was named as the Bradford side’s man of the match, even though he was having to play at prop instead of his usual position of loose forward.

That makes it six league defeats from six for Bowling, who look set for an instant return to the second tier at this stage.

Stanningley are not finding the going too easy in Division One either, with their 38-18 defeat at Wigan St Patricks on Saturday leaving them eighth in the 12-team table.

Drighlington took advantage of playing a troubled Featherstone Lions side in Division Three at the weekend.

Away from home, Drig thumped their rock-bottom hosts 76-6 to go second in the table, with a game in hand on leaders Distington.

In the Yorkshire Men’s League Trophy, Wyke bowed out with a narrow 16-14 defeat against Seacroft Sharks.

In the YML Premier Division, Keighley Albion lost 52-14 in their first home game of the season, as an impressive Westgate Common side put them to the sword.

Bradford Dudley Hill made it two wins from two in Division One, edging out Cutsyke Raiders 32-28, while Wibsey Warriors lost a cracking game 30-24 to Ossett Trinity Tigers.

Brighouse Rangers lead Division Two despite only drawing 18-18 at home to Moldgreen, with Queensbury shooting up to third after winning 24-16 at Birkenshaw Blue Dogs.

It was a bust for our sides in Division Six, as Birkenshaw Blue Dogs Academy and Guiseley Rangers suffered heavy defeats and Keighley Albion Academy were unable to play their game at Rycroft Hammers, gifting the hosts a walkover win.

In the YML Merit League, Odsal Sedbergh opened their 2024 campaign with a resounding 74-6 win over reformed Sheffield Hawks.

With Sedge already 20 points ahead, a harsh red card from the referee against the visitors on the half-hour killed the game as a contest.

Odsal’s try scorers were Adam Cash (4), Jonny Ward (2), Josh Tordoff (2), Hayden Sugden, Jack Appleyard, Robert Booth, Thomas Leakey, Kris Fawthrop and Connor Pearson.

Finally, Bradford Bulls’ Women suffered a heavy 38-0 defeat at Sheffield Eagles in the RFL Women’s Northern Championship.