Wibsey Warriors are convincing derby winners over West Bowling A

Wibsey Warriors claimed the bragging rights over West Bowling A in their Pennine League Division One West derby at the Bankfoot Oval yesterday.

The Warriors exploded out of the blocks and were 12-0 ahead after 15 minutes.

Full back Michael Derrick was first to get on the scoreboard when he supported the outstanding Nathan Anderson to collect and dive under the posts.

He was quickly followed by Neil Sutcliffe, who stepped his way over after some good handling by the visitors.

Stand-off Andrew Robinson duly added the extras and it looked like Bowling were in for a tough afternoon. However, the home side rallied and it was veteran forward Glenn Barraclough who reduced the deficit as he burrowed over from close range, Ash Wood successfully converting to give Bowling a glimmer of hope at 12-6 behind.

Wibsey extended their lead when a sweet handling move led to centre Nick Walker and Steve Redman exchanging passes before Walker cruised in. Robinson converted again to put Wibsey in the driving seat.

Bowling quickly struck back though when second row Ben Cousens found full back Adam Crompton, who raced in to score, Wood posting his second conversion.

At the start of the second half, Bowling immediately came under sustained pressure and had Daniel Lang to thank for a try-saving tackle as Wibsey’s Cameron Bishop looked certain to score.

Bowling then presented Wibsey with not one but two interception tries as first Redman crossed, followed by Phil Braine.

With Derrick also posting a score, the Warriors effectively ended Bowling’s chances of victory. Anderson then got himself in on the act when he crashed over, allowing Robinson to add to his goal tally.

Bowling showed great heart throughout, with man of the match Chris Jesson getting through a mountain of work.

They were in no mood to throw in the towel and were rewarded for their hard work when winger Chris Curmal crashed over to make it 46-16.

Curmal then narrowed the margin further when hooker Aaron Chappell created the gap for him to force his way over for his second.

A final score from the Warriors’ Chris Adams in injury time wrapped up a fine afternoon’s work for the visitors.