Queensbury pulled off a great escape as they won 40-22 at Drighlington to avoid Pennine League relegation by a slender two-point margin.

In a clear test of character, 'Bury entered the game knowing it was a must-win affair if they were to be certain of retaining their PREMIER DIVISION status.

They made an awesome start, with the lively Josh Naylor crossing twice in the first 20 minutes while Mark Wright and Steve Senior also found their way over the whitewash.

Naylor was equally effective with the boot, landing all four conversions to give the away side a comfortable 24-0 lead.

High-flying Drighlington hit back with an unconverted try from Andy Jackson but Queensbury were clearly not going to be denied.

They extended their lead as first Darren Wilkinson crashed over and then Mathew Walski, with Naylor duly adding the conversions to earn a resounding 36-4 interval lead.

Drighlington fought back in the second half but had left themselves too much to do and when Walski posted his second try it left the visitors jumping for joy.

Birkenshaw finished off their DIVISION ONE season with yet another win, this time 20-14 at mid-table Dodworth.

After a six-game unbeaten run, Birky were unlucky to miss out on promotion, with that chance now falling to West Bowling A or Siddal.

Try-scorers for Birkenshaw were Paul Bancroft, Darrel Forster and Ben Cousen, while Karl Wroe was on hand to kick four goals.

West Bowling remain on course to go up behind champions Crigglestone All Blacks after a 60-16 demolition of local rivals Victoria Rangers, who are already relegated.

Wyke were crowned DIVISION TWO champions after a stunning performance against promotion-chasing Newsome Panthers.

It has been a remarkable achievement by coach Jason Hirst, who has now steered Wyke to three consecutive titles.

They clinched the latest in style, with old campaigners Craig Hillam and Simon Owen leading the way to a 27-18 home success.

With ten minutes to go in the first half, Wyke were trailing 12-8 with only an Alan Binns try and Hillam penalty troubling the scorers.

But with Newsome tiring, second-row forward Chris Hillam crashed over and then namesake Craig crossed out wide.

Craig Hillam's conversion saw Wyke in at the break 20-12 up and the second half proved to be a tight affair, with Wyke needing 20 minutes to break the deadlock.

Hooker Ian Watkinson fooled the Newsome defence when he dummied his way over, Hillam again converting.

And Newsome could only manage an unconverted try before a Hillam drop goal triggered wild celebrations in Towngate.

Queensbury A narrowly lost out 20-17 at Brighouse Rangers A in DIVISION FOUR.

Brighouse needed a victory to avoid relegation and 'Bury made them fight hard to secure the two vital points.

Tries for Queensbury came from Neil Hobson (2) and Andrew Barraclough, while Jimmy Wright dropped a second-half goal. Rob Davison and Andy Thornton also caught the eye.

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