Worth Village 14 Meltham 6

WORTH Village went joint top of Pennine League Division Six West with a hard-fought win against second-placed Meltham.

Village got off to a flying start when the impressive Joe Buckley intercepted and charged over from 40 yards.

With both sides trying to play open rugby in difficult conditions, Village were unlucky not to score after a good move saw the final pass go to ground.

With Ricky Leatham and man of the match Joe Copperwaite leading the way, Village continued to press as Daz McNulty and Sean Knapper went close.

Worth’s defence also had to work overtime to keep out a good Meltham side, with Rob Spencer and Nick Hird to the fore.

Village increased their lead with a good try following an up-and-under by Leatham, Buckley out -jumping the defence for his second try which Kris Gott converted.

Meltham came back at Village and only good defence from Ben Ross and Tony Crowther kept them out.

But eventually Meltham did cross from an interception to close the gap to 10-6.

With all to play for, both sides were going non-stop to win as Village’s Chris Ellison was stopped short after a 40-yard barnstorming run. Eddie Hall, Billy McKay and Paul Phillips all showed up well off the bench for Worth.

Luke Moorby was held up over the line but Village clinched the win with Copperwaite and Gott setting up Buckley for his hat-trick.

Worth visit Clayton A on Saturday, while Cowling Harlequins, who had no game last week, are at home to Odsal Sedbergh A.

l Keighley Albion were kicking their heels for a second week running after scheduled Division Five opponents Brighouse Rangers A conceded the fixture.

Albion were given a walkover the previous week against Queensbury B in the Pennine Supplementary Cup.

They are due to visit Moorends Thorne Marauders in the league on Saturday.