Meltham All Blacks 12 Worth Village 10

WORTH Village were made to pay for a slow start as Meltham All Blacks claimed the spoils in this promotion clash.

The visitors were surprised the match had got the go-ahead in wintry conditions and were caught on the hop as the Huddersfield hosts scored two quick converted tries to lead 12-0 after just five minutes.

Then Village got their act together and came within two points of overturning the deficit.

A James Gow try after a pass from Joe Copperwaite in a flowing move saw Worth make it 12-4 at the break.

And with man of the match Jake Feather making some barging runs along with Ben Ross, the visitors continued to press after the break. Hooker Nick Hird, who was making his comeback after a two-month injury lay-off, was also impressing.

Kris Gott put Worth right back in contention with a second try with ten minutes to go after a cracking long-range cross-field kick from Copperwaite, who also added the extras.

Joe Hall and Hird were both held up close to the line but Village could not turn their comeback into victory.

However, Worth's two-point defeat means they win the overall head-to-head aggregate with Meltham, whom they beat 14-6 in the corresponding fixture at home. That would come into play if the two promotion contenders finish level on points.

Worth are on the road again this Saturday as they head to Odsal Sedbergh A.

Division Six West neighbours Cowling Harlequins were thwarted by the weather again as their match at home to Boothtown Terriers was postponed. They are due to entertain Wyke A on Saturday.