A LAST-MINUTE drop goal from Jack Bowman sealed a stunning victory for Clayton as they beat Ossett Trinity Tigers 29-28.

Honours looked set to be even as the final whistle approached until Bowman calmly stepped up to fire over the decisive drop goal to make it two wins from two in Pennine League Division One.

Despite the warm sunshine and an immaculate playing surface, things started badly for Clayton who found themselves 12-0 down after just five minutes.

Ossett had the advantage of the slope and quickly put it to good use when full back Ash Berry broke the line, leaving a trail of defenders in his wake to touch down.

This was soon followed by another score, this time by hooker Josh Machin, who forced his way over after some excellent approach play from Adam Newby. Both efforts were converted by Brandon Bates.

Clayton quickly hit back just minutes later to make it 10-4. Scrum half Devon Gurney was hauled down just short of the line but Luke Barnes forced his way over and Bowman added the extras.

Two minutes later Clayton were over again when winger Daniel Priestley took a lovely short pass from Luke Harps to squeeze in at the corner.

However, Ossett extended their lead thanks to a fine break by Jordan Wood, whose lovely dummy wrong-footed the Clayton defence and allowed him to find Newby in support and he finished emphatically. A further goal from Bates saw Ossett go in at half-time leading 18-10.

Clayton started the second half on fire and reduced the deficit thanks to a converted try from second rower Elliott McCelroy.

The home side then led for the first time in the contest when Jamie Waterman barged his way under the posts. The successful kick from Bowman saw Clayton in front 22-18.

A fine free-flowing move saw the ball move through several pairs of hands before Gurney dived over to score next to the sticks. Bowman slotted over the extras and it looked like Clayton were home and dry.

However, Ossett had other ideas and, against the run of play, hit back when Anton Porter dived over. Bates was again successful with the boot to set up a grandstand finish.

Ossett allowed the pressure to get the better of them as first Arron Williams was sent to the sin bin for an illegal lift, quickly followed by brother Jordan for a ball-stealing offence.

Clayton then had a representative of their own join the Williams brothers when Kieran Baker was sent from the field for a head-high tackle.

Amazingly it was Arron Williams who, having only just returned to the field, levelled things when he took an offload from Ward to score out wide.

Crucially, Bates missed the conversion to leave the game in the balance at 28-28. It was then left to Bowman to keep his cool and send the Clayton supporters crazy as his drop goal sailed over the posts.