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.