Teenage wingman Ryan Smith proved the West Bowling hero in their last-gasp National Conference Division One win at Thatto Heath Crusaders.

Bowling were always behind until the final five minutes in what was a tough encounter, despite two sparkling tries from free-scoring centre Tim Sutcliffe.

But with old stalwarts Glenn Barra-clough and Nigel Halmshaw in belligerent mood, they snatched a 20-18 victory right at the death when Smith touched down.

Coach Peter Simpson said: "It was a real relief to see Ryan dance round his winger, side-step the full back and score under the posts.

"This was just after he had chased back to pull off a try-saving tackle at the other end which would have cost us the match."

The win enabled Bowling to stay in fourth position, just two points adrift of leaders West Hull.

In the Pennine President's Cup, Dudley Hill pulled off a magnificent 14-4 quarter-final success at previously unbeaten Halifax Irish but Victoria Rangers went out 34-14 at Kippax.

New Rangers coach Eddie Grattan saw his depleted pack eventually wilt, despite scoring first through centre Karl Wroe. Len Dalladay posted the rest of the Vics' points with a try and three goals.

Premier Division strugglers Clayton crashed 42-6 at Keighley Albion, although the villagers were still in the hunt at 16-6 following a length-of-the-field special from youngster Danny Belshaw.

But when England Lionhearts skipper Scott Pendlebury got sent off for 'talking', the floodgates opened.

West Bowling A also ran out of steam to go down 36-16 in their Division One clash at Park Amateurs.

At just 12-10 behind going into the

second half, a welcome away win looked achievable before the Halifax side ran away with it in the last quarter.

West's tries came from Reece Spurr and Andy Marshall, with Ashley Wood kicking four goals.

Queensbury remain bottom of Division Two after a 22-12 defeat at Liversedge, despite matching their hosts for most of

a game decided by who made the least handling errors.

Luke Cooper and Andy Barraclough scored the 'Bury tries, together with a goal each from Barraclough and Rob Smith.

Wyke's home game against Thornton bit the dust but A-team coach Alan Terry resisted the temptation to include any of the first-team squad at Hoyland A in Division Six and was rewarded for his loyalty with a 46-10 success.

Liam Hay scored a hat-trick as further efforts were added by Andy Quinnan (2), Jon Holdsworth and Sean Godfrey. Mickey Wormald posted a try and kicked seven goals.