Yorkshire Division Three: Baildon 21 Stocksbridge 15

BAILDON not only gained four league points but also progressed to the semi-finals of the Yorkshire Silver Trophy in this double-header at Jenny Lane.

Stocksbridge could have easily won their home match against a strong Baildon at the beginning of the season, but Baildon's form has dipped of late and, with a number of key players unavailable, this was their chance to show some strength in depth.

Guy Price was selected in the second row, which reduced the line-out options but added some much needed oomph to the scrummage.

With the recently retired Dale Tabiner taking the line-out drills during the week, there was some consternation when the first three went wrong, and Stocksbridge soon took the lead up the slope with a penalty after Baildon strayed offisde.

JJ O'Connell replied with a penalty in kind to level the scores, and put the hosts ahead after Stocksbridge failed to release the ball.

Luke Strauss was then denied a try for a home knock-on, but O'Connell's third penalty, after the visitors were off their feet at a ruck, made it 9-3, and, afer an O'Connell penalty that came back off the bar, Matty Robinson turned the ball over and Harrison Strauss put O'Connell over in the corner, with the same player's conversion making it 16-3.

Stocksbridge started the second half well with a try on the blindside but Baildon's response was a near try for Dan Fletcher and a definite try for Matty Dixon.

However, the visitors weren't finished and scored from a well-executed pick and drive, but Baildon held out for victory.