Trojans fight backto clinch first win

THORNHILL Trojans fought back to earn a first win in the Pennine Premier Division.

Scott Green continued his superb run of form which has seen him win Thornhill’s man-of-the-match each time he has played this season and the hooker claimed his fourth award with another top display.

There were other impressive efforts from second rowers Luke Eastwood and Ben Kendall, who registered their first tries of the season.

Irish raced into a 10-0 as Andrew Brockehurst twisted out of a tackle and over for a try which he goaled before Chris Thorman crossed out wide.

Thornhill hit back when Eastwood broke through and sprinted clear to storm between the posts. Andrew Bates converted but Chris Holroyd responded with a well worked try at the other end and Brocklehurst stretched the lead with the goal.

Thornhill began to take control and BARLA international Kendall powered over following a tap penalty. Bates converted to bring the Trojans to within four points at half-time.

There was a stoppage in play as Trojans substitute Jack Stead was carried from the field clutching his knee but on the resumption, Green spotted a gap and darted over for an opportunist try, which Bates again improved.

Danny Ratcliffe broke away to score after good work from Mason Bailey and the Trojans appeared to be pulling clear as Bates landed the goal.

However, the sin-binning of Joe Naidole, for a high tackle, put Thornhill under pressure and full-back Martyn Silcox pulled a try back for Irish, with Brocklehurst converting.

Thornhill showed composure as Danny Ratcliffe pounced on a kick to the in-goal for his second try.

Thornhill attacked again and Adam Bird latched onto another kick forward to score a last minute try in the corner.

Batley Boys12

Crigglestone AB8

BATLEY Boys ground out a hard-fought victory over Crigglestone to maintain the pressure on the leading sides in Pennine League Division One.

It is turning into a cracking section with the top five sides separated by just two points.

This was Batley’s fifth win in six league outings and they are fourth, level with Methley Royals and Newsome Panthers and just two behind leaders Upton, while they have games in hand on all the sides above them.

The Boys are at home again this Saturday when they welcome another side with promotion aspirations, Morley Borough, to Halifax Road.

Borough have won five from eight league games and are level on 10 points with the Boys.

Wibsey38

Dewsbury Moor12

DEWSBURY Moor were without several key players for their Premier trip to Wibsey.

Moor handed debuts to youth players Patrick Farrelly, Alex Jeffs, Tobias Richardson and James Samme, who came out with a good deal of credit despite being on the losing side.

Wibsey scored an unconverted try after five minutes but Moor immediately hit back when Anthony Boardman raced in following good play by Peter Robinson, Samme, Dean Arundel and Matt Shaw. Andy Robinson edged the visitors in front with the goal.

Robert Ashton, James Delaney, Ben Hardacre and Andy Robinson tackled well but couldn’t prevent Wibsey’s Ryan Smith scoring. Steve Sewell added the goal.

Richardson gathered an up and under and raced 40 metres to put Moor on attack but despite Peter Robinson, Danny Wardman, Phil Shotton, Boardman and Arundel maintaining the pressure Wibsey held out and then replied with a converted try to lead 16-6.

Jeffs and Farrelly produced plenty of hard work for Moor but the final 20 minutes proved decisive as Wibsey opened out in style to score four tries and three goals, before Aaron Hayward replied with an interception try, which Andrew Robinson goaled.

Birkenshaw28

Cas Panthers20

BIRKENSHAW continue to show good progress in Pennine Division One with a second straight win over a big Castleford Panthers outfit.

Ben Nabozny scored two tries, while Karl Robinson, Gavin Mazels and Chris Clough bagged one apiece.

Matty Gowland landed four goals from five attempts and was unlucky not to end with a 100 per cent kicking record.

Man-of-the-match Paul Bancroft drove the ball in well throughout and didn’t look like the oldest player in Birkenshaw’s side.

Birkenshaw missed Steve Smith and captain Matty Honeysett but hope to have the duo back on duty for Saturday’s trip to Bentley Good Companions and a coach will leave Birkenshaw Liberal Club at 11.45am.

Open age training is at Tong on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7-8pm.