Bank Top Harriers’ dominance at the top of DIVISION ONE in the Pennine League continued with a 30-12 win at Newsome Panthers.

The Harriers made the early running and scored tries through full back Finn Lamont and Mark Bailey, with Adam Mitchell adding the first of five successful kicks.

Hooker Jimmy Banks was mystified to be sin-binned when he came away with the ball on a one-to-one tackle but made amends when he returned with a barnstorming touchdown.

Centre Jason Gelder added his customary trademark effort and Bailey finished off the Panthers with his brace just before the close. Birkenshaw’s promotion hopes suffered a setback with a 24-20 defeat at Morley Borough.

A dubious last-minute score led to their downfall but coach Jason Hirst sportingly conceded that he had no complaints at the result.

He said: “This was our first game in seven weeks and it showed. Damian Smith and Liam Darville both crossed twice, with Mattie Gowland kicking two goals. But we were just too rusty on the day.”

It was a miserable afternoon for local clubs in DIVISION TWO, with Odsal Sedbergh dropping into the second relegation spot following an 18-4 defeat at Illingworth.

And Wyke suffered a disappointing 28-10 loss at old rivals Boothtown Terriers.

The black and whites found themselves 10-0 in arrears before tries from Steve Richardson and a converted Ian Wormald effort levelled the scores.

But that was the final hurrah as the hosts posted a further ten points without reply.

In total contrast, it was a good day in DIVISION SIX as Undercliffe Wildboars boosted their title chances with a sparkling 18-14 win at second-placed Sherburn Bears.

It proved a bruising encounter on a narrow pitch against a mammoth home pack but the Wildboars’ six were equal to the task in hand.

Captain Ryan Dean led the way with 35 tackles and 25 drives, while half backs Ryan Dickinson and Kenny Smith orchestrated tries from Dave Newhall (2), Kaz Ahmed and Joe Jepson, together with a Paul Cross conversion.

Clayton A player-coach Jonny Alderson made a spectacular comeback from injury to guide his side to a 32-22 home win against King Cross Park A.

Alderson came off the bench at half-time to post four tries and four conversions which, together with two further touchdowns from Danny Knapton and Josh Machin, saw the villagers home by a comfortable margin.