BRADFORD Victoria Rangers came within a whisker of winning their first Division One outing in the Pennine League before going down to a heartbreaking 29-28 home defeat against Brighouse Rangers.

The Vics looked to have pulled the game out of the fire when man of the match Jordon Lambert scored his second touchdown with a couple of minutes left – but it was too far out for marksman Sam Thornton to add the two points needed for victory.

The game was neck and neck throughout, with Rangers' other try-scorers being Joe Cockcroft (2) and Jake Swinscoe. Thornton also crossed and kicked two conversions.

Clayton lost 36-22 at Newsome Panthers in Division Two, despite a splendid two-try contribution from influential centre Simon Giles.

Three-quarters Mick Cunliffe and Gary Jacklin also made the whitewash.

Birkenshaw posted their first win of the Division Three campaign with a 50-12 home victory over Sherburn Bears.

New signings Andy Berry, Danny Graham and wingman Joel Shaw made impressive debuts but it was their old masters Paul Bancroft, Adam Lazenby and hooker Matty Honysett in the pack that set the pace.

Honysett took the plaudits, scoring a hat-trick, while Callum Wilkins (2), Robbie Cass and James Gettings also made the chalk to add to the nine goals, plus a try, from Jarred Toulson.

Division Four outfit Queensbury eventually overcame gallant Beeston Broncos 72-30.

The visitors could only muster 12 men but they defied all logic by giving 'Bury a torrid first half in which they levelled the scores twice and took an 18-12 lead.

A mightily relieved Queensbury hit back to change ends 30-18 up and then regained the ascendancy in the second half to finish the game with a 12-try haul.

Alix Stephenson posted a hat-trick on his debut, with Scott Smith also grabbing a well-deserved late treble.

Chris Hanson collected a brace, while Jason Gelder, Nathan Daly and Joel Charlton posted solo efforts.

The biggest cheer of the afternoon went to evergreen prop forward Andy Senior, who powered over for a rare effort, while Ethan Shaw was immaculate with the boot, nailing all 12 conversions.