John Mooney: Norland Sharks vs Keighley Albion

Former amateur international forward Paul Shaw rolled back the years in the Yorkshire Men's League Division One clash at Sirius Academy as Norland Sharks beat Keighley Albion 34-18 to keep up their challenge for promotion. Shaw set the ball rolling with a typical powerful break in the early stages for a try converted by Ben Rowan and it was the latter whose brilliant break sent in classy loose forward Shane Tidswell for try number two, both converted by Rowan. Albion his back with a gift try after the Shark's defence couldn't deal with a high ball then a breakaway try and two conversions brought the scores level. The game was delayed for ten minutes when referee Jamie Wilson pulled a hamstring in the process of following play and referee's assessor Lennie Lockton took over the whistle. Shaw scored his second converted try just before halftime and the Sharks went in with an 18-12 lead.

The big Sharks forwards took over in the second period and Shaw completed his hat-trick before Matthew Parkinson went over in the corner for an unconverted score and a lead of 28-12. Albion hit back with a converted try but Norland had the last laugh when Rowan ended the scoring with a converted try. The win keeps Norland in second spot behind New Earswick All Blacks.

In the Premier Division, East Hull and Beverley both had comfortable victories while in Division Two Hull Wyke saw off St Josephs 28-12.

West Hull suffered another away-day loss in the NCL Premier Division going down 8-6 to Wigan St Patricks while Skirlaugh were beaten 16-22 by Egremont Rangers and stay in the relegation zone. Myton Warriors beat basement club Pilkington Recs 38-20 while in Division One Dockers had a welcome 28-18 victory over Blackbrook.