BIRKENSHAW have withdrawn from the Pennine League due to a shortage of players.

The club, who have failed to complete any of their scheduled Championship Division One games this season, have reluctantly pulled the plug for this season after it became clear that they could not continue at open-age level.

Club chairman Andy Redman explained: “We have by no means abandoned ship and see this as a chance to rebuild the open-age side when our first crop of thriving junior players become eligible – whether this is next season or in a few years’ time."

Birkenshaw, founded 36 years ago, will continue their membership of the Bradford Amateur Rugby League.

Meanwhile, late-finish specialists Queensbury pulled another rabbit out of the hat in the 18-18 home draw against CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION neighbours Illingworth at Hill Top.

The first half was a scrappy affair, with constant stoppages frustrating both sides, and it was the visitors who took advantage of back-to-back penalties to go in front with a converted try.

However, Bury responded quickly with a touchdown from stand-off Leighton Ruff, which was converted by wingman Scott Swann, to make it 6-6 at the break.

Queensbury substitute Greg Marriott scooted over on the restart and Swann was once again on target to boost home hopes but the visitors had other ideas and hit the front at 18-12 with ten minutes to go.

The Halifax side's defence held firm until, in a sweeping passing move, second-row forward Sam Cheney hit the chalk, and the ever reliable boot of Swann landed the extras to tie the score.

Bury packman Joe Walker was outstanding in both attack and defence.

Victoria Rangers' Josh Hattie was in superb form in the 42-0 home success against Siddal, the half-back marshalling his troops with aplomb as they put the visitors to the sword in an eight-try romp.

Skipper Isaac Brown (2), Luke Harps (2), Ash Yarrow, Aiden Scully, Carl McGuigan and Hattie all reached the whitewash, and the five conversions were shared between Scully and new signing Nathan Kitson.

Vics' A team posted an identical 42-0 win at King Cross. Mike Crowley (2), Johnny Fawthrop (2), Jamie Kerr (2) and Sam Thornton reached the try line.

In CHAMPIONSHIP ONE, Odsal Sedbergh lost a bruising encounter 16-14 at Allerton Bywater. Sedge found themselves 16-4 in arrears early in the second half, with only a solo effort from Robert Priestley to show for their efforts.

They staged a gallant fightback, with touchdowns from Luke Dawson and Willie Woodhead to bring them within a whisker of a draw, but the hosts hung on grimly to take the spoils.

In DIVISION SIX WEST, Sedbergh second string had better luck when they lowered unbeaten Meltham All Blacks' colours 20-18 following tries from Robert Booth (2), Lee Birkett and Shaun Flynn.

West Bowling A crashed 50-0 at Dearne Valley in DIVISION FOUR. Lewis Poole, Lee Hutchinson and Luke Whitaker were Bowling’s best in the one-sided encounter.