WEST Bowling were given warning, if they needed any, on Saturday that they are not safe just yet.
A sensational run of four straight victories in the National Conference League Premier Division had taken them from being near-certainties to go down into a side that looked likely to survive.
They normally play home games at Horsfall, but Bowling hosted Lock Lane at Odsal instead on Saturday, looking to make it five wins on the bounce.
But the change of venue turned out not to be to the Bradford side’s liking, as they lost a home game for the first time in two months.
It was a closely-fought affair, but it was Castleford-based Lock Lane who came out on top, as they left BD6 with a 17-10 victory in their back pockets.
Dan Halmshaw and Lewis Camden scored a try apiece for the hosts, while Harry Williams kicked a solitary goal.
The result leaves ninth-placed Bowling two points clear of the drop with two league games left to go.
Stanningley look set to slide out of Division One, as their appalling form continued with a thumping 40-10 defeat at Dewsbury Moor Maroons.
Drighlington are set to partake in the Division Three play-offs, and they are looking good, Saturday seeing them record an impressive 30-18 win at Bentley.
In Division One of the Yorkshire Men’s League, Bradford Dudley Hill are on the rise again, shooting up to third after a tense 18-16 win over Ossett Trinity Tigers.
And it was a case of unlucky 13 for Wibsey Warriors, whose record remains no wins, no draws and 13 defeats this season, after they lost a high-scoring game 38-30 at Cutsyke Raiders.
Wyke played early last week, and were beaten 30-24 by Elland in pair’s Wednesday night encounter.
Leaders West Bowling Academy remain in pole position to win the NCL Alliance Division after being handed a walkover win against rock-bottom Normanton Knights on Saturday.
Finally, Odsal Sedbergh thrashed visiting York Barbarians A in a friendly.
The final score was 54-10 to the Bradford side, thanks in part to Andy Priestley scoring his maiden career hat-trick.
Braces from Liam Read, Jack Appleyard and Shaq Jones, plus a solo effort from club stalwart Jonny Ward, completed the 10-try haul.
James Sharp was on target with seven of his 10 goal attempts.
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