CLAYTON have move into top spot in Pennine League Division Three West following a hefty 42-10 win at Emley Moor.

The Villagers met stiff resistance from the 12-man Huddersfield hosts until an opportunist try from hooker Josh Lanfear got their tally under way. Connor Mahoney dived over in the corner, and Matt Baldwin followed shortly afterwards.

Speedster Jake Patchett then showed the home defence a clean pair of heels, and old master Jimmy Waddington fooled the cover with a kick and collect to end the half 28-6 in Clayton's favour.

In the second stanza, Patchett collected a well-deserved hat-trick, and packman Dave Harrison produced a crunching tackle to dislodge the ball for a touchdown that ensured the flattering total that failed to reflect Emley's considerable efforts.

In Division Two, Wyke had to pull out all the stops in order to take the spoils 20-16 at West Craven Warriors.

A number of late withdrawals made life difficult for the black and whites but they started in assured style when wingman Tevin Campbell crossed out wide, and a splendid solo from Jonny Waddington guaranteed a 8-0 lead.

The hosts rallied to level the scores at 8-8 by the break and then hit the front on the restart with a long-range try.

However, Wyke packman Shaun Godfrey produced a nice solo touchdown before prop Ian Wormald fully justified his captain’s armband by leading from the front to reach the chalk for his seventh try of the campaign.

Head coach Glenn Barraclough once again donned West Bowling A's No 9 jersey in the 26-12 Division Three home defeat against Higginshaw.

The former Bradford Northern hooker showed his prowess by scoring a try and collecting the man of the match award, with loose forward Jason Marshall and stand-off Ethan Egerton-Sharp joining him on the scoresheet.

Victoria Rangers went out of the Pennine President's Cup in the second round 24-7 at Underbank.

Vics' debutant Elliot Cousins quickly made his mark when he raced over from an Oscar Woodhead pass, which was converted by Hayden Sugden. Hopes faded, however, when Ryan Dixon was sent off for alleged referee abuse and Scott Butler then left the fray with a broken rib, leaving Rangers gravely depleted.

The hosts levelled matters before Vics hit the front on the stroke of half-time with a drop goal by Aidan Scully.

In the second half, Vics defended valiantly before they ran out of steam, with Underbank scoring three late tries.

Coach John Hodgson praised his players, saying: “We received a standing ovation at the end of the game for an outstanding backs-to-the-wall performance. The lads can be proud of themselves.”