John Mooney: West Hull v Kells + NCL ROUND UP!
After last week's 34-0 victory over Normanton Knights, West Hull couldn't quite manage to keep Kells scoreless at the Community Centre but warmed up for next week's National Cup Final against Haydock with a convincing 24-4 victory over determined but limited opponents. Defences were very much on top in the first quarter but the introduction of Bobby Tyson-Wilson from the bench gave the green and golds some impetus and it was his initial burst that allowed Scott Partis to send Nathan Powley under the sticks after the half-hour. Partis then turned poacher as a Callum Windley break sent full-back Nathan Hill on a scorching run before the half-back took an inside pass to burst for the line. Both tries were converted by Ryan Wilson and Wests went into the break with a 12-0 lead though facing a stiff wind in the second period.
With the visitors continuing to probe through hooker Brad Smith and strong-running back-rower Ryan Watson the Wests defence had to work hard but put the game to bed when Josh Nicklin got on the end of a flowing movement. Partis, standing in for the injured Wilson, converted and also added the extras when a superb Scott Spaven pass saw Oscar Ellerington sprint for the line, eventually going over with several Kells players hanging on. The visitors never gave up but things hadn't gone their way until Watson gained a late consolation. With so many of his players in top form, coach Mark Hewitt may have a selection problem for next Sunday's Final at Featherstone Rovers, especially as their second team, playing in the Yorkshire Men's League on the adjoining pitch, scored a half-century of points when seeing off the challenge of Odsal Sedburgh.
After last week's heroics at Thatto Heath, Myton Warriors couldn't replicate the performance and went down 6-24 to Wath Brow Hornets at Cranbrook Avenue, Ash James scoring the only try. The Warriors are bottom of the Premier Division with just one point from six games.
Skirlaugh are mid-table in Division One after an easy 44-0 victory at Shaw Cross Sharks and have games in hand but Dockers had no answer to Division Two leaders Stanningly, going down 16-42 at Tower Grange.
Beverley's Division Three top of the table clash against Clock Face Miners was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.