CENTRE Calvin Barker posted a unforgettable hat-trick as Wyke fell to a gallant 44-28 defeat at Sharlston Rovers in the opening round of the Bartletts BARLA Yorkshire Cup.

The mighty hosts, who have carried all before them in the competition for many years, were expected to give the black and whites youngsters a walloping.

It looked as if all was going to plan when they raced into a comfortable lead with two converted early tries.

But Wyke captain Jordan Payton produced a neat kick to put Barker over the chalk for his first touchdown, soon followed by another effort from hooker Matty Harrison at the side of the sticks.

Rovers then went a man down when their prop forward was sent to the sin-bin for dissent and Barker took advantage of the extra man when he took a high kick from a defender's grasp to dive over the whitewash.

There was a scent of an upset in the air when Payton stripped the ball in a one-on-one tackle to coast in at the corner to close the half just 24-22 in the hosts' favour.

Rovers were forced to resort to their heavy steamroller pack to put a further two tries on the scoreboard shortly after the restart.

Wyke produced a long sweeping passing move to put Barker en route for his splendid hat-trick – and a Payton scoot down the middle raised hopes further, only to see him fall inches short of the target.

With time running out they went for broke by trying two short kick-offs which unfortunately backfired, giving Sharlston the chance to massage the final total further.

But it was a delighted coach Ian Wormald who left the field saying: "I was very proud of our young side and how they are developing."