Rams fall to leaders

Dewsbury Rams 22

DEWSBURY’S impressive recent run came to an end last Sunday as they suffered a heavy defeat at Co-operative Championship leaders Halifax.

Most of the damage was done in the first half when Fax built up a 26-4 lead and they scored nine tries in total.

Halifax scored twice in the opening eight minutes as hooker Sean Penkywicz caused the Rams huge problems.

Penkywicz put Steve Tyrer over for the opening try and the captain capitalised on a gap in the Rams’ defence to give Rob Worrincy his first try soon after. Lee Peterson converted the latter to make it 10-0.

Rams hooker Liam Hood instigated a brief fightback when he skipped through and sent Ryan Esders over only for Halifax to score three further tries before half-time.

Worrincy leapt to gather a Penkywicz high kick and the hooker then darted from acting half-back to score.

Substitute Sam Barlow barged over soon after coming on and with Paterson adding two more goals, Halifax held a healthy half-time lead.

Barlow added his second try eight minutes into the second half, again fed by Penkywicz, with Paterson converting.

The Rams responded in style as Steve Crossley and Ben Jones linked well before Hood crashed between the posts for a lovely try which Patch Walker converted.

However, any hopes of a Rams fightback were ended as Halifax added three more tries in the space of five minutes.

Chris Ashall barged over after showing neat footwork, Paul Handforth raced through before sending Anthony Thackeray over and Handforth then sent his former Batley team-mate Sean Hesketh crashing over. Paterson landed all three goals to bring up the half-century.

Dewsbury again showed real heart to keep going and were rewarded with two further tries late on.

Crossley’s neat offload put Brad Singleton over for a fine try before James Craven slipped a pass inside to Scott Spaven and he raced away before sending Ayden Faal in at the corner. Walker added both goals.

Halifax: Fieldhouse; Worrincy, Tyrer, Paterson, White; Handforth, Thackeray; Hesketh, Penkywicz, Ambler, Divorty, Robinson, Ashall. Subs (all used): Casey, Gannon, Barlow, Aizue.

Dewsbury Rams: Craven; Akaidere, Esders, Faal, Buchanan; Walker, Spaven; Jones, Hood, Crossley, Spicer, Barker, Tonks. Subs (all used): Flanagan, Nicholson, Singleton, Smith.

Referee: Jamie Leahy.

Attendance: 2.377.