Queensbury edged out old rivals Clayton 8-0 in a Pennine League derby that had all concerned on tenterhooks throughout the full 80 minutes.
Clayton started the PREMIER DIVISION clash strongly, with stand-off Danny Belcher calling the shots, and it was only a well-drilled home defence that kept them at bay.
The tide turned when Queensbury’s Lewis Symonds crossed under the uprights and, with the weather deteriorating rapidly, Scott Swan lost his footing and missed the simple conversion.
It was similar deadlock on the restart but Swan made amends for his earlier lapse when he crossed out wide for the only score of the second half.
Man of the match Joe Simpson guided West Bowling to a welcome 26-20 win at bottom side St Joseph’s.
Second-row forward Richard Lumb weighed in with a brace of tries and centre Gavin Buckley posted a solo effort, Lee Innes slotting over three extra kicks.
Wibsey Warriors came within a whisker of cancelling out leaders Drighlington in their 24-18 away defeat.
The Warriors looked to have earned a draw when they went into the final stages at 18-18 following tries from Mark Darragh, Ryan Smith and Mike Horrocks, all converted by Andy Robinson.
But the Leeds side posted a converted effort to thwart them in the closing moments. Bank Top Harriers continued their leadership of DIVISION ONE with a comfortable 34-0 home success over Dodworth.
Outstanding forward Danny Murgatroyd was an inspiration for the Harriers, crossing twice, with Michael Hustler and Jimmy Banks also claiming a pair of tries.
The spot-on kicking of Adam Mitchell was marked with five conversions.
Birkenshaw climbed into second place following a 22-12 home win over Lindley Swifts.
Two tries from Mark Nicholls and another by Paul Bancroft earned a 12-10 half-time lead.
Damien Smith then posted a second-half brace to ensure victory, with Matt Gowland’s three goals completing the tally. West Bowling A were all square at 4-4 in their DIVISION TWO home match against Boothtown Terriers thanks to Ryan Hunkin’s touchdown.
Packman Ben Cousin doubled bottom side Bowling’s total before they finally went down 22-8.
Queensbury A extended their lead at the top of DIVISION FIVE with an excellent 14-0 win at Burley Lions.
Centre Danny Sykes, winger Sam Gallagher and loose forward Arran Moore scored Queensbury’s tries but what was more pleasing for coach Liam Ruff was the clean sheet.
Queensbury B made it a clean sweep for the club by winning 14-10 at home to Underbank Rangers A in DIVISION SEVEN. Their tries came from Adam Wright, Nathan Ridehough and Daz White, who also added one conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article