WYKE gave Division Two table-toppers Cutsyke Raiders the fright of their lives before falling to a 20-10 Pennine League defeat in Castleford.

The black and whites opened up in style to hit the front following a crisp passing move that enabled Tevin Campbell to generate a gap for full back Tim Stones to cross in the corner.

Centre Gavin Mezals slotted over the touchline conversion – but that 6-0 lead only stung the hosts into action and they upped the tempo at the play-the-ball to create a chance to score at the flag for an unconverted effort.

Both teams went toe to toe in the middle, with Wyke's new signing – prop Ben Kelly – making his mark, ably assisted by hooker Corby Kitson.

The battle royale went in the visitors' favour when wingman Alec Williams reached the chalk following a nicely weighted kick over the top from Sam Kitson.

But Cutsyke once again raised the speed at the ruck and levelled the scores at 10-10 at the interval after a successful kick-and-chase to the whitewash.

With conditions deteriorating rapidly on the restart, the first score was crucial – and Wyke looked to be on their way with a strong attack which unfortunately came to nought when they dropped the ball over the line.

Old habits surfaced, however, when they lost their cool and were subsequently marched back upfield after a series of penalties for unsolicited advice to the referee.

The Raiders duly took full advantage to break away for an easy touchdown to hit the front.

The introduction of play-making forward Shaun Godfrey, making his comeback from a two-month lay-off, renewed the black and whites' challenge and he combined with impressive centre Ryan Exley to create a number of chances that went begging.

Wyke then suffered a huge blow when Kelly was wrongfully sin-binned after a confrontation in the tackle.

Cutsyke ensured a lop-sided scoreline with a try on the hooter, leaving Wyke coach Warren Pitman to reflect: "We showed we are just as good, if not better, than those at the top.

"We are lacking that clinical finishing that is necessary at vital times but it's been all away league games of late and now we can use home advantage to the full."