Bowling's big day ruined by Rovers (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bowling's big day ruined by Rovers

1:50pm Tuesday 5th May 2009 in

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West Bowling A finished second best to the potent Sharlston Rovers, losing 36-18 in the Pennine President’s Cup final at the Dewsbury Rams Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday.

Bowling made a sloppy start when second row forward Liam Martin was caught napping from the ruck in front of the uprights, leaving Sharlston hooker Carl Saville an easy touchdown.

Centre Dale Potter slotted over the conversion but was way off target when Steve Frogget took advantage of a fumble on the kick-off.

Bowling recovered from their early malaise when centre Chris Curtain’s determination was rewarded with a try-saving tackle on wingman Chris Shaw, which in turn set up field position for loose forward Simon Owen to carve out a huge gap down the middle to plough his way over.

Packman Bob Benn added the extra two but the comeback was only fleeting as Shaw scurried down field to send scrum half Lee Bettison charging over for another converted effort.

The introduction of talisman forward Phil Chappell soon paid dividends for Wests when he steamed onto a short pass to pin back his ears in a 30-metre charge to the chalk, with Benn making sure of full reward to maintain the tit-for-tat.

Wests could not be faulted when Frogget cut inside for his brace and, with only a 22-12 half-time deficit, it was all to play for in the second stanza.

However, the best-laid plans failed to materialise as Sharlston took a stranglehold on proceedings.

Full back Adam Crompton was narrowly denied after a kick over the top and the mighty Chappell was bundled into touch at the flag in what was a brief respite from the one-way traffic. At least Wests had the final say when centre Ross Simpson galloped onto a short pass to end a very scrappy clash.

Wibsey Warriors lost the Andrew Bennett Trophy final to Slaithwaite Saracens 32-16.

The Warriors looked on song to collect the silverware when they led 10-0 at the break following a touchdown from Mike Derrick and three goals from stand- off Andy Robinson.

The loss of Derrick with concussion on the restart virtually put paid to their hopes but a clever try converted from winger Nick Fountain renewed hopes as they trailed 20-16, only to see tired legs take their toll in the closing chapter.