NCL TEAMS BACK TO WINNING WAYS
What a difference a week makes! After last week's four defeats in as many games, all five of the area's NCL sides came away with points on Saturday, four of them away from home and only Beverley dropping a point.
Myton Warriors, who have been on the end of several narrow defeats in Division One, went to Oulton Raiders and returned with a cracking 28-18 victory. The Warriors were under the cosh for most of the first half but resolute defending, in which Jimmy Jennison and Nick Halstead were prominent, gave them a platform for three breakaway tries, all converted by Ash James, and an 18-4 half-time lead. Myton have let slip plenty of winning opportunities in the past but thankfully they were able to hold on this time with Liam Welham's experience and Lee James' hat-trick telling in a very hard-fought second period.
Beverley had to settle for a point in their game at Wigan St Judes in Division Two, the sides sharing a mammoth 80 points. Beverley were 40-28 up at one stage in the second period but the hosts, who had led 12-0 in the first half, fought back and a draw looked a fair result. However, the game was held up for ten minutes close to full-time as Jack Howdle suffered a bad ankle injury. The teams moved to an adjoining pitch for the last few minutes in which Easts conjured up a draw with an injury-time converted try.
After last week's comprehensive defeat by Pilkington Recs at Eastside, Skirlaugh bounced back with a 25-18 victory in Division One over Stanningley at Saltend.
Thatto Heath Crusaders have been carrying all before them in Cup competitions this season but met their match against West Hull, their opponents in the Final of the BARLA National Cup, with the Green and Golds returning from St Helens with a 29-16 victory in the Premier Division.
In Division Two, Dockers produced their best performance of the campaign at East Leeds, coming away with comprehensive 34-16 victory.
In the Yorkshire Men's League, Myton 'A' went down 46-8 at Normanton Knights while East Hull played well away at Siddal Academy before coming away with a 21-10 defeat. West Hull beat Nottingham Outlaws 36-10 at the Community Centre but Skirlaugh Bulls found it tough at York Acorn, going down 44-28.
In the Hull and District Open Age Summer League, Cottingham Tigers are a welcome addition, returning to action after a long absence to beat Beverley Academy 34-12 away from home.