Birstall Victoria move top after derby win over Trojans A

It took 30 minutes for the deadlock to be broken in a closely fought derby when former Birstall player Scott Dyson doing the damage as the visitors scored two converted tries in a five minute spell.

Birstall debutant Danny Porter, playing at second row, produced a well weighted kick into the Thornhill in-goal area and winger Anthony Cox gathered to score between the posts. Stand-off Mick Dyson converted to reduce the half-time deficit to 12-6.

Five minutes after the re-start, Thornhill restored their 12 point advantage when substitute centre Adam Allerton scored in the corner and Scott Dyson converted.

Birstall rallied and scored three tries in 10 minutes to turn the game around.

Prop Anthony Fallas scored between the posts after a superb grubber kick from Mick Dyson.

Strong running second row Jonni Parrish then received a long pass from Dyson to score again before hooker John Stainburn crossed on 65 minutes. Dyson added all three goals and the Vic led 24-18.

Thornhill responded well and got back in the game after 70 minutes with an excellent try out wide by centre Shane Davis but Scott Dyson missed the conversion which would have levelled matters.

Thornhill made several breaks in the final 10 minutes but Birstall’s scrambling defence managed to keep them out.

Mick Dyson was Birstall’s man-of-the-match closely followed by Danny Porter and Anthony Fallas.