FREE-scoring full back Alix Stephenson posted a hat-trick of tries as leaders Queensbury thrashed fellow Pennine League Division Four title challengers Kinsley Hotel Raiders 44-4 at Deanstones Lane.

Stephenson pounced on a fumble in the opening two minutes to put the 'Bury bandwagon on the road, soon followed by a try from hooker Ash Ryan in the corner.

The visitors got the rub of the green when they made the scoreboard for a contentious effort but normal service was resumed when Stephenson bagged his brace after a rehearsed move straight from the training ground. Ethan Sharp added his third conversion plus a penalty for a 20-4 half-time advantage.

Stephenson produced some more of his dazzling footwork on the restart to complete his stunning trio and home progress continued when three-quarter Ryan Hearn sped clear to feed wingman Chris Hanson, who crossed in the corner and then cantered behind the posts unopposed.

Ryan collected his brace before Sam Smith scored the try of the game, handing off a succession of defenders on a 65-metre charge to the whitewash.

Marksman Sharp maintained his 100 per cent record with the boot to ensure a tally that puts Queensbury three points clear and sets up a mouth-watering home clash against unbeaten local rivals Siddal on Saturday.

In Division One, Wyke travelled to Cutsyke Raiders short on numbers – following the late withdrawal of key players – and could only muster a touchdown from Dominic Kilburn, plus a sparkling brace from Jonny Waddington in a 24-16 defeat.

Brighouse Rangers were also in the doldrums, suffering a 56-14 defeat at unbeaten title favourites Ovenden.

Rangers managed to reach the chalk on three occasions through Ben Waud, Reece Bray and Liam Stead.

Birkenshaw Bluedogs' long-serving second-row forward Paul Bancroft will be disappointed not to have celebrated his 39th birthday with a win at Allerton Bywater.

The powerful packman is still one of the best forwards operating in Division Three, having played for his beloved Birky for a staggering 29 years.

Yet despite his influence, they could not overcome their Castleford hosts, only managing touchdowns from wingman Robbie Cass, prop Andy Berry and second-row forward Danny Graham.

Full back Gary Procter kicked the solitary goal, with Joel Shaw collecting the man-of-the-match award.