Pennine League Division Four West: Wyke A 20 Silsden 12

MIDWEEK games are always tough for amateur teams and this was no exception, with Silsden having just 13 players available.

Despite that, they put on a tremendous demonstration of good rugby, allied to determination, to just lose out in the end to strong opposition.

It was stalemate for 15 minutes with both teams tackling well and playing conservatively.

Silsden broke the deadlock when they first defended their line for three sets and then got to the other end of the field for Ben Ross to crash over, Jak Adams converting.

The visitors' lead was increased when quick hands across the line led to space for Jason Scott, who took full advantage by rounding his man and then stepping the full back to touch down under the posts. Adams again added the extras.

Silsden had a 12-point advantage to take into the second half, but were now playing up the slope and also went down to 12 men as Ross had to leave the field with an arm injury.

Wyke used their numerical advantage, and their considerable bulk in several positions, to score a converted try.

Silsden were in no mood for capitulation, however, and defended stoutly, only to be undone by a determined Wyke outfit, who the Cobbydalers felt were aided by some bizarre refereeing decisions.

The goal was missed, but Silsden now only had a two-point lead.

They defended it like Trojans but, in the end, numbers beat them and Wyke got over the line in the corner, too far out for the conversion.

A final try was added late on to make the final score 20-12.

It was a great team effort from the visitors, who now go on to a league fixture against Birkenshaw at home on Saturday, followed by their appearance in the Supplementary Cup final at Batley’s ground on Bank Holiday Monday (May 2, 11am).