Clayton 15, Skirlaugh Bulls 24

Forget the scoreline. Clayton came within a whisker of taking the scalp of National Conference League Premier Division high-fliers Skirlaugh Bulls in a pulsating Ace Insurance National Cup first-round tie at Lidget Green yesterday.

The battle between stand-off Gordon Precious, the Bulls' wonder kid, and his wily experienced opposite Scot Pendle-bury was eagerly anticipated and it was Pendlebury who took the early plaudits.

His wicked grubber kick caused panic in the visitors' ranks and was soon followed by another side-footed effort, Clayton full back Danny Belcher winning the chase to touch down for a try he converted himself.

Clayton once again defied the odds of playing up the slope when Belcher was clearly held back ten metres out and he slotted over the resulting penalty and then added another for a 10-0 lead when the Bulls were caught offside.

Skirlaugh's game-plan had plainly gone to pieces as the Villagers tackled their hearts out, which, coupled with some skilful handling in the slippery conditions, exposed the Bulls.

They were fortunate to claw back some of the arrears when wingman Dan Moss spun out of a tackle to plant the ball after a doubtful looking pass.

Precious converted and it was all-square at the break when the Bulls' other wingman Dave Lamb was on the end of a sharp passing exchange for an unconverted score in the corner.

Clayton came out all guns blazing in the second half, with prop Callum Dinsdale, who outplayed BARLA GB international Trevor Penrose throughout, carted the ball 40 metres down the middle, forcing the Bulls to resort to desperate measures by holding down in the tackle.

Belcher kicked his side ahead and added another penalty for reefing out, following that with a splendid drop goal which put the claret and gold's 15-10 ahead and dreaming of a major upset.

But the classy Hull outfit inched their way back with an unconverted try from Lee Waterman. Then Skirlaugh's fitness told when Lamb bagged his second by squeezing in at the flag.

However, Clayton dug deep and came within inches of retaking the lead with three minutes to go when loose forward Andy Barnes was tackled in full flight.

The Bulls had the final say on time when prop Steve Atkinson plunged over, ensuring a lop-sided scoreline.