A scratch West Bowling side produced a gutsy performance before going down to a 42-24 home defeat against Pennine League Premier Division title-challengers Sharlston Rovers.
Bowling had to make a clarion call prior to the kick-off in order to raise a team and with three under-18s making their debut, plus another two players making a first appearance in two years, it came as no surprise when they fell behind 12-0.
Bowling hit back with aplomb when stand-off Max Trueman dashed over for a brace, leaving full back Ben Heald to add the extras to level the scores.
Sharlston hit the front for a slender 18-12 interval lead but Bowling showed their spirit once more to again draw level with a converted try from man of the match prop forward Connor Wood.
The classy Rovers simply had too much firepower and experience and, while second row forward Elliott Townsend interrupted Shar-lston’s progress with another converted touchdown, the visitors scrambled to achieve a tally that fails to reflect the home side’s efforts.
Wibsey Warriors fell to a 32-18 defeat against visitors Thornhill Trojans, despite leading 6-4 at the interval.
Warriors coach Jason Hirst was full of praise for the defensive display of debutant Chris Rogers but it was second-row forward Ross Simpson who took the Wibsey plaudits to claim the outstanding player award.
Stand-off Ryan Smith crossed twice, together with a solo from wingman Paul Jennings, and centre Luke Helliwell kicked three conversions.
Victoria Rangers finished their Division Four campaign as unbeaten champions following a 34-22 win at Whinmoor. Wingman Martin Southwell and Aiden Scully both posted two tries with further trips to the whitewash coming from Willie Woodhead and Liam Vaseley.
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