Table-topping Birstall are mauled by Tigers

The Vic remain top of the table but are now level on 11 points with Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks, who they meet in their next game on Saturday August 13.

Defence was out of the window for both teams, with a total of 13 tries scored over the 80 minutes.

Garforth got off to a flying start after some poor defence gave the Tigers great field position and despite some great goal line defence from centre Jonny Parrish they scored converted tries after 14 and 20 minutes.

Birstall hit straight back as Garforth failed to stop the kick off going in touch and from the resulting scrum, full-back Will Brooke broke the line to score a try, converted by scrum-half Mick Dyson.

Garforth grabbed a third try between the posts after Birstall failed to deal with a kick but the Vic again hit back with a great solo effort from hooker John Stainburn.

Garforth completing the first half scoring with a 38th minute try to lead 24-12.

The home side started the second half in confident mood, forwarders Matt Ginnelly, Danny Hainsworth and Anthony Fallas making ground which allowed Will Brooke to collect Dyson’s pass and race through a gap to score.

Garforth grabbed another converted try after 53 minutes to lead 30-16 but Birstall again fought back.

Agreat try from prop forward Hainsworth saw him show strength to barge over from five yards out before Dyson and Brooke combined to send second row Damon Fletcher over in the corner, as Victoria reduced the deficit to two points.

The comeback was not to be as the Garforth winger, raced over for long range tries after 70 and 73 minutes to seal victory.

Man of the man went to the impressive Jonny Parrish who was excellent in attack and defence, closely followed full-back Brooke and prop Danny Hainsworth.