Birstall triumph

Birstall Victoria 38

VICTORIA extended their winning run to four games as they completed a double over Emley Moor with an accomplished performance in Pennine League Division One.

The bigger Emley side wasted no time in getting into their stride and took a 6-0 lead on their first attack.

However, the Vic were not overawed or discouraged.

Leon Crick made a break and passed to the supporting Damon Fletcher who went over for a try.

A classy Birstall try was begun by Josh Knowles making a clean break and the ball was then handled by Damon Fletcher and Danny Howard before the move ended with Crick scoring.

A neat kick by Danny Aldridge bounced into Fletcher’s hands and he ran onto the ball to score another try.

Mick Dyson converted all three tries.

Emley hit back with a try and a goal. Wingman Josh Wilson set up the position for Dave Dyson to go over for a try to give the Vic a half-time lead of 22-12.

After the break Crick sold a dummy, went blind and passed to Rob Copley who found Josh Wilson to score. Dyson converted.

The ball was passed across the line to Wilson for his second try.

Emley scored three second half tries and two goals to cut the deficit to four points with minutes remaining and set up a close finish but Danny Aldridge broke away for a decisive try. Dyson added the goal to give Birstall a comfortable win.

Leon Crick was the creative force behind much of the Vic’s attacking play and won their MoM award with Shaun Hosier and Josh Wilson also impressing.