WYKE coach Warren Pitman was left "gutted" as Wyke were edged out 24-16 by Greetland All Rounders in a thrilling encounter at the Rec.

Wyke were hit by a number of pre-game injury problems but Pitman was still able to field a strong side. Things started badly for the hosts when they knocked on straight from the kick-off, setting Greetland up with a scrum in dangerous territory.

The Halifax outfit made Wyke pay dearly for their error when full back Chris Robinson swept on to the ball and dived over next to the posts.

Wyke roared back, putting Greetland under serious pressure with some fierce defence led from the front by veteran Simon Owen and that pressure told when prop Ryan Kershaw was able to collect the ball and crash over.

Man of the match Coby Kitson caused numerous problems to the visitors' defence as he made a number of clean breaks. However, with Wyke trying to force the issue a number of errors prevented them from taking full advantage of their possession.

Pitman's men began to gain a stranglehold on the game and it was no surprise when Stevie Richardson, on as a sub, powered over in the corner.

Some slick handling from the home side saw the ball shipped out wide where full back Tim Stones beat two defenders to score under the sticks.

With Greetland only able to post a further try, Wyke turned around at the break with a deserved 16-12 lead.

The second half belonged to Greetland and Robinson, as the fullback helped himself to a hat-trick. Wyke never gave up and, despite some superb passing moves and sustained pressure on the Greetland line, they couldn't make it count.

Pitman said: "The game was there for the taking. We need to take our chances close to the line. It will come with time as the team gels."