Moor edge past Celtic in cup thriller

Andy Robinson scored Dewsbury Moors opening try in their Heavy Woollen Cup victory over Dewsbury Celtic.

Victory should have seen Moor set up a semi-final date with Batley Boys but they have been forced to withdraw from the competition, leaving the Heckmondwike Road outfit with a bye to the final.

Thornhill Trojans meet Shaw Cross Sharks in the other Jim Brown semi for the right to face Moor in the final.

Moor were forced to produce a dramatic fight back in the final quarter against Celtic as they trailed 14-4.

A 300-plus midweek crowd saw Celtic take control with tries from Sam Tattersfield, Aaron James and Josh Knowles, while Pat Foulstone added a goal as Celtic appeared on course for the final after an hour.

Moor’s only score up until that point had come from Andrew Robinson’s early try but the home side dug deep to produce a dramatic late fight back.

A sustained spell of home pressure resulted in Bartley O’Brian pulling a decisive try back and Jacob Flathers converted to leave Moor just four points behind.

With just a minute remaining, Moor produced a superb move which saw impressive handling involving Adie Moore, Jordan Foster and Brad Foster, resulting in Anthony Boardman scoring to level.

The crucial conversion was missed and the exciting tie went to golden point extra time.

Two minutes after the re-start, Celtic conceded a penalty and the versatile Bradley Foster stepped up to land the goal and send Moor into the final.

Dewsbury Moor A are due to face Batley Boys A in the John Kane Cup preliminary round on Wednesday May 20 (kick off 6.30pm).

The winners will face Thornhill Trojans A in the semi-final.

John Kane Cup holders Shaw Cross Sharks A are already through to the final following a 32-20 semi-final win over Hanging Heaton.