BIRKENSHAW are on the brink of winning the Pennine League Division Four championship following their 52-10 victory at Silsden.

Birky three-quarters Robbie Cass and Luke Johnson were in devastating form, scoring four touchdowns apiece, with solo efforts coming from hooker Matty Honysett and veteran second-row Mickey Glenn.

Full back Gary Procter weighed in with six goals to ensure they passed the half-century mark – and there was a further boost with the successful comeback of packman Craig Jessey, who took the man of the match award on his return to the fray after a long injury lay-off.

The destination of the silverware could be decided when Birky meet main rivals Mirfield Stags A, the only team that could overtake them, at East Bierley tomorrow (6.30pm).

In the Yorkshire Men's League Premier Division, West Bowling lost 24-22 against Doncaster Toll Bar in their second outing on the road.

Bowling looked to be well on the way to keeping their unbeaten start to the summer when they led 20-14 but the Doncaster side, who are proving to be their bogey team, pulled the game out of the hat with a late try to take the spoils.

West's wingman Jake Green collected a brace, while prop Chris Anderson and centre Jack Milburn posted solo touchdowns. Scrum half Ben Heald was on target three times with the boot.

* The Pennine League have decided to take action against teams that fail to complete any of their last three fixtures of the season.

The ever-increasing exodus of clubs to summer competitions has resulted in a glut of non-fulfilled games as the winter season stutters to a close, leading the league's management committee to impose a minimum fine of £75 on the miscreants.