BIRKENSHAW Bluedogs saved their best Pennine League performance of the season for their last game of the Division Three - a belting 42-18 home win against second-placed Moorends Thorne Marauders.

The surprise victory was even sweeter following the 62-0 drubbing the visitors inflicted on Birky in their previous meeting, and it looked like more pain was on the cards when they posted a converted touchdown in the opening exchanges.

The introduction of hooker Jonny Tipton and the return to form of stand-off Jarrad Toulson, however, inspired the hosts to hit back in spectacular fashion.  

Prop Adam Lazenby, who has regularly settled the ship in previous games, crashed over to open their account, soon followed by another frequent effort from centre Damian Smith, who handed off in style to cross in the corner.

The best try of the game, however, came when Toulson feigned a kick on the last tackle to sprint clear and skip his way to the chalk.

Quick-thinking packman Danny Graham stole the ball in a one-to-one to keep the total rolling along, and Tipton was the architect of the biggest cheer of the half when he instigated a move that put veteran second-row forward Paul Bancroft on a barnstorming run to the whitewash. 

The shell-shocked Doncaster outfit were then humbled once again when Smith glided into a gap for his brace, leaving full back Gary Procter to slot over his fourth conversion for a 32-6 lead at the break.

The Bluedogs' previous bad habits looked light years away as they continued to throw the ball about in style, and the pattern of the first stanza continued when wingman Robbie Cass beat all-comers after a kick and chase from halfway, and their final try was claimed when forward Ben Cousen collected a rebound.

Moorends enjoyed a late 12-point flurry but it could not take the gloss off a brilliant Birky display.

Clayton let a 16-12 lead slip through their fingers to lose 24-16 at home to Newsome Panthers in Division Two.

Matt Baldwin, Steve Scott and Danny Priestley made the chalk, and Dane Bairstow kicked two conversions.

Queensbury’s Division Four title aspirations suffered a blow in a surprise 34-26 defeat at Selby Warriors.

Bury drop to second spot, with main rivals Siddal lurking menacingly on their shoulder just four points behind with four games in hand.