Cowling Harlequins 0 Worth Village 12

The first meeting of these two neighbouring clubs certainly lived up to its billing as the 100-plus crowd witnessed a great Pennine Supplementary Cup, first round tie.

The game started at an electric pace, with Village putting all the pressure on the Quins line.

To Harlequins’ credit, their defence stayed strong until the 15th minute when Worth hooker Nick Hird stepped his way to the line and Callum Hudson added the extra two.

Cowling pushed Village back with great running from Gary Nelson and Craig Verity, only to be held just short of the line.

Handling was tough in muddy and wet conditions, the ball appearing like a bar of soap.

But Worth increased their lead when Liam Gillard dummied his marker to dive in and Hudson converted.

The hosts kept pushing for the points, with Rob Haigh running hard, but loose ball cost them near Worth’s line.

Cowling never gave up after the break and defended stoutly to keep their Division Six visitors at bay.

At the other end, Nelson and man of the match James Bowdin kept trying to get the Quins on the scoreboard but the final pass just let them down, Wayne Verity going close.

Former Cowling player Connor Caveney ran strongly for Worth, as did prop Paul Phillips.

With ten minutes to go, centre Sean Knapper went close for the visitors but defences remained on top and there was no score in the second half.

Worth progressed to the second round after a tie that was a great a credit to Keighley and amateur rugby league.

Now the Quins face King Cross Park A at home in the first round of the Halifax ARL Joe Blackford Memorial Trophy.

In the same competition, Worth Village make the short journey to Greetland All Rounders A.