Queensbury bowed out of the BARLA Ace Insurance National Cup with their heads held high after a 28-12 semi-final defeat at Hunslet Old Boys.

It was no place for the feint-hearted as both packs went toe to toe and early ’Bury dominance gained reward when wingman Scott Swann kicked a penalty.

The Old Boys, with the wind at their backs, struck on the half-hour mark with two converted tries and were fortunate to increase their tally just before the interval.

They lost the ball in the tackle but it rolled conveniently into the hands of a team-mate for a touchdown under the posts.

At 18-2, Queensbury needed to score first after the break but the Hunslet side showed their class with a clever kick-and-chase to edge further in front.

’Bury at last gained some reward for their gallant efforts when scrum half Josh Naylor rounded four defenders to plant the ball under the uprights, leaving Swann to add the extras.

Hopes were advanced when Naylor broke free to score again but the Old Boys hit back immediately with another converted try for the final score of the tie.

’Bury duo Joe Walker and Dan Hawksworth were outstanding in the losing cause.

Pennine League action saw West Bowling produce a woeful defensive display to go down 64-18 in the Premier Division at Thornhill Trojans.

A Chris Curtain try was the only interruption to the Trojans’ march towards a 46-4 half-time lead.

An inspired team talk from coach Mark Dunning put a bit more pride back into Bowling on the restart, with under-18 prospect Oliver Bartle crossing and wing man James Crabb squeezing in out wide for a brace, scrum half Ben Heald adding the extras.

Odsal Sedbergh A delayed Illingworth A’s hopes of taking the Division Seven title with a 26-14 home success. John Adams posted two tries, with Karl Read and Shaun Flynn also crossing.