Dewsbury Moor Maroons maintain promotion bid with derby win over Sharks
Dewsbury Moor Maroons narrowed the gap on second-placed Dewsbury Celtic in the National League Division One when they ran out 30-6 winners at neighbours Shaw Cross Sharks.
The Maroons, who had edged the Sharks 26-18 at home, have a game in hand on Celtic and are the form side in the section with four successive wins.
They are now just three points behind local rivals Celtic in the race for promotion to the top flight.
Shaw Cross, meanwhile, have lost three of their last four games, but stayed in seventh with their own hopes remaining for an end of season promotion play-offs spot.
In their derby with Moor they fell 12 points behind when George Woodcock crossed on 13 minutes and Jackson Walker followed suit in the Maroons’ next set, Louie Walker converting both scores.
The visitors went in at the break 18-0 up, thanks to Woodcock’s second try, on 35 minutes.
Shaw Cross brushed aside the sin-binning of Alex Baines on 55 minutes for holding down by posting an Aaron Smith touchdown, which was improved by Evan Stephenson some four minutes later.
However, the Maroons eased home with tries in the last 10 minutes for Kieren Hepworth and Louie Walker, the latter completing a five-from-five return with the boot.
They are back at home this Saturday when they face fourth-placed East Leeds in another big game while Shaw Cross host bottom of the table Oldham St Annes.
Dewsbury Celtic return to action at home to Leigh Miners Rangers, who are in fifth position.