INJURIES late in the game were a big factor in Wibsey’s first league defeat in 28 matches as they lost 29-17 at Leeds Corinthians.

The Villagers were leading 17-8 with 13 minutes left in the Yorkshire Division Three clash, having already lost flanker Luke Wilson – man of the match the previous week against Castleford – to a broken arm after 20 minutes.

However, the visitors then also lost Scott Taylor and, for a time, lock David Wilkinson, both to knee injuries, while John Bradbury (groin) and Bruce Mpofu (hamstring) stayed on the pitch but were also mere passengers.

Wibsey finished the match with 13 men, conceding 21 points in those closing minutes.

Tries for Wibsey, who host Baildon on Saturday in a much-anticipated derby, came from player-coach and man of the match Andy Robinson and Mpofu, while new signing Danny Belcher added two conversions and, in the second half, a penalty.

Wibsey were undefeated last season in Yorkshire Division Four and won their opening game this season at home to Castleford, but were beaten 43-12 at Rotherham Phoenix in their final match of the 2017-18 season.