Birkenshaw's Pennine League Premier Division title challenge received a major boost following their hard-fought 10-7 success at Park Amateurs.

News filtered through that leaders Siddal had crashed to defeat at home to Elland and rivals Ovenden had bitten the dust against Illingworth.

Birky consolidated second spot with a grafting display and a touch of class from stand off Andy Hirst, who raced over in the corner from the halfway line for the opener. Johnny Turpin kicked a splendid touchline conversion.

Park were good value for their 7-6 interval lead but Birky showed their resolve when loose forward Ash Dowie scored the all-important winner.

Queensbury moved into third spot without firing a shot in anger. Underbank Rangers could only muster eight players and conceded the match but not before Bury made the fruitless journey to Holmfirth.

Clayton continued their fine form with a 20-14 home win against Crigglestone All Blacks. The Villagers have come back with a huge bang after a rocky start and coach Paul Gill is singing the praises of packman Chris Parkinson who he regards as the best forward in Division One.

He added to his growing reputation with another smart try. Martin Redgrave and Ian Jackson also crossed with Jason Brooksbank scoring a try and two conversions.

Victoria Rangers gave bottom-of-the- table Rotherham a 52-10 roasting at Newlands. The Vics cut loose with ten tries through Lee Speight (3), Kieran McDermott (2), Russ Sigston, Sam Bentley, John Beanland, Dave Newhall and Tony Fretwell. Tim Hunt kicked six goals. West Bowling A lost the plot at Brighouse Rangers and had to settle for a 20-20 draw. Loose forward Craig Hillam pinned the Rangers down with his spot kicking in the first half and Bowling were well in charge at 14-6. He seldom saw the ball in the second half and the Rangers forced a late try to share the spoils. Eddie Womersley, Paul Robertson and Steve Gregory scored the tries and Hillam kicked four goals.

Queensbury A came out on top in a Division Two 52-32 points feast at home to Hollinwood.

Bury could not shake off the determined visitors but their superior fire-power made sure the result was never in doubt. Bury's Danny Wilcock and Neil Hobson crossed for hat-tricks and there were further efforts from Kristian Friebach (2) Martin Potts and Rashid Mahmood.

Thornton lost 16-9 at home to Ovenden A in the Pennine Shipley Trophy.

They are convinced that they should be the team going forward into the semi-final draw after having three tries disallowed for dubious reasons and then suffering further heartbreak when Ovenden's winner came off a forward pass.

Forwards Ben Southgate and Danny Parkinson both crossed the whitewash and Darren Ellerton slotted over a drop goal.