CLAYTON'S lingering hopes of challenging for a Pennine League Division Two promotion spot came to an abrupt end in a 28-12 defeat at bottom-of-the-table West Craven Warriors.

The Villagers could only muster 14 men for the trip and had to draft coaches Scott Pendlebury and Jonny Alderson into the squad as emergency replacements.

Pendlebury showed his charges the way with a touchdown, and Karl Robinson posted another, both of which were converted by stand-off Dane Bairstow, but it was not enough to prevent the Warriors from winning their first game of the season.

Birkenshaw also bit the dust in a 36-28 reverse at Doncaster Toll Bar.

Birky, who were seeking their first double of the Division Three campaign, kept the scoreboard rolling along with a brace of tries from scrum half Jarrad Toulson, together with solo efforts from centre Danny Graham, prop forward Andy Berry and emergency stand-off Ben Cousen.

Alas their cause was severely hampered when prop Adam Lazenby was sent to the sin bin for dissent, plus centre Chris Walker receiving his marching orders after alleged foul language to the referee.

Wyke’s Division One relegation fears multiplied following a hefty 44-4 home defeat at the hands of table-toppers Illingworth.

The black and whites lost their talismanic captain Ian Wormald early doors with a dislocated finger and never threatened to disturb the Halifax outfit's march, with only a touchdown from three-quarter Ben Procter to disturb the one-way traffic.

* Wyke teenage duo Calvin Barker and Jordan Payton have signed for  Keighley Cougars.

The 18-year-olds both started playing rugby for the under-eights  foundation team and have progressed through the various age groups to become two of the most promising prospects in the Pennine League.

Payton is a prolific half-back with a lightning turn of speed, and is a deadly tackler, despite his slight build, while Barker has developed into a thrilling full back who combines rock-solid defence with an ability to join the attacking line at every opportunity.