BRADFORD Dudley Hill lost ground on league leaders West Bowling after suffering a shock defeat on Thursday evening- losing 32-4 away at Underbank Rangers.

Going into the fixture, Dudley Hill were sat in fourth spot and the hosts were placed in sixth, however the table's standings resembled nothing on the fixture.

For the away side, it was a chance to reduce the difference between themselves and West Bowling to just two points but it was always going to be difficult.

Temperatures were soaring and Dudley Hill only had a squad of 15 players meaning responsibilities couldn't be shared between a full squad on a sweltering evening.

And Underbank could boast a squad of riches- having 17 players to their name.

Reflecting on the performance, Dudley's manager Steve Wright said: "For the first 20 minutes it was a very even and aggressive game.

"We only went with 15 men and picked up one knock during it as well so we were never going to keep it up for 80 minutes.

"It was a big deal for them. They were celebrating like they'd won a cup.

"I can't fault the effort of the team. We put our all into the game but it just wasn't to be.

"We were unfortunate that we only had 15 players ad they had 17 to choose from because it was a really warm night. When it's a really warm night and you get a knock as well, then you’re up against it, especially away from home."

Wright added: "Underbank had a bit of a ferocious crowd as well which is expected. Playing there probably played into their hands a little bit because the pitch is very small and they obviously know how to play it really well."

"And on paper, you've got to look at it and go they are a Premier Division side and we are a Division Two team. We've got to take the positives from this game and the first game of the season when we beat them."

Dudley Hill face league leaders West Bowling next game and Wright admitted that it's a great opportunity for his side to make some ground on their opponents.

He said: "It's going to be a very tough fixture. They are a young and talented side but we need to put this loss behind us and then hopefully we can close the gap between us and them with a victory.