Queensbury missed the chance to reach the PENNINE PRESIDENT’S CUP quarter-finals as they were edged out 20-16 by Darren McNulty’s hat-trick of tries at Keighley.

A difficult first half left Premier Division outfit Queensbury with a mountain to climb as they saw no fewer than three players leave the field injured within the first quarter.

Championship Division promotion hopefuls Keighley proved to be lively opposition and Queensbury could only post a solitary try from Scott Swan before the interval.

But the visitors put in a huge second-half effort and were unlucky to lose in the end as Trevor Stead, Joe Swain and Lewis Symonds all crossed the whitewash.

Kris Gott’s try had cancelled out Swan’s opener before Keighley team-mate McNulty stepped into the spotlight.

He edged the hosts in front after 15 minutes before adding his second early in the second half after Queensbury had dominated the later stages of the opening period.

Only good Keighley defence, in particular from Rick Barr, prevented the visitors getting more than a single try in response before McNulty completed his treble from Gott’s break against the run of play.

Queensbury refused to throw in the towel and were rewarded by two tries in quick succession but they ran out of time to complete their revival.

Forwards Chris Price, Danny Snowden, Matthew Mount, Danny Barrett and man of the match Barr ensured Keighley ended the game on top to book a last-eight tie against Hunslet Old Boys.

The Old Boys, who are second in the PREMIER DIVISION, were pushed all the way by Wibsey Warriors before emerging 26-16 PENNINE LEAGUE winners.

Ryan Smith got Wibsey off to a flying start with a try converted by Andy Robinson but they were then rocked back by three quick tries by the hosts.

Andy Wilkinson crossed for a converted Wibsey score in reply but two further Old Boys tries proved too much for them, despite a fine Danny Belcher effort at the end.

West Bowling A won 28-20 at fellow strugglers Illingworth to finally log their first DIVISION TWO victory of the season.

DIVISION THREE bottom side Keighley A were brushed aside 66-6 at Hoyland Vikings after work commitments and injuries meant they travelled with only eight players.

Keighley’s consolation came from a good try by Liam Gillard after fine work from Joe Morphett and Jimmy Shaw, with Dean Farrell converting from long range.

Queensbury A maintained top spot in DIVISION FIVE as they destroyed mid-table Meltham All Blacks 48-0.

Liam Dover took the man of the match award thanks to a fine hat-trick and he was ably supported by Arran Moore, Angelo Ricci, Darren Brown and Andy Walker, while Michael Boocock helped himself to a try and six goals.

In DIVISION SIX, Undercliffe Wildboars closed in on the top two as they leapfrogged visiting Guiseley Rangers with a 34-12 victory.

Undercliffe were initially stunned as Guiseley took the lead but hit back strongly with tries from Ash Yarraw, Kaz Ahmed and Kenny Smith.

Further second-half tries by Ahmed, man of the match Isaac Brown and Jake Butterworth then pushed the Wildboars out of sight.

Paul Cross added five goals, while forward Simon Yarraw also caught the eye.

Cowling Harlequins finally registered their first win at the tenth attempt as they saw off King Cross Park A 34-20.

Nathan Brown, captain Simon Burgoyne and Dave Gooding scored tries as Cowling led 16-14 at the interval.

Further scores then followed from Brown, Craig Nicholson and Ali Feather to complete the task.

Queensbury B ran out 30-20 winners at bottom side Greetland All Rounders A in DIVISION SEVEN.

Luke Barrett took the man of the match award as Steven Mason steamed in for two tries. Other scorers were Kelvin Daulat, Tony Clarke, Rory Brooke and Luke Cooper.