Division Three Pontefract Social 16 Silsden 20 Silsden moved out of the bottom two after leapfrogging their opponents following victory in this crucial relegation scrap.

The Cobbydalers built on their win over Shaw Cross the previous week by overcoming their hosts in what was an intimidating environment on a sloping, windswept pitch.

The referee had all on to control the home team in a game littered with penalties.

Andy Bowness kicked one to give Silsden the lead, which was soon lost as the home team crossed for a converted try.

This seemed to discourage Silsden, who allowed the home side to cross again after at least four missed tackles.

Now fired into action, the visitors dominated the rest of the half but could only get across the line once when Danny Whitaker used his considerable bulk to power through several would-be tacklers to ground the ball. The conversion attempt was too far out to be successful.

Pontefract continued with their holding down tactics until just before half-time when they stretched the referee’s patience too far and he sin-binned one of their team.

Silsden capitalised when Grant Ackroyd picked up a loose ball and made it to the line for an unconverted try.

However, the Cobbydalers could not make the most of their dominance and Pontefract scored again, this time from a scrum, and the try was converted to put them in the lead by six points.

Silsden responded well. A short kick-off was gathered by Whit-aker, who made the line with defenders hanging on to him.

The goal attempt was missed but the visitors were now starting to exert their superiority.

Jonny Crowther made another in a series of strong runs before off-loading to the ever-supporting Bowness, who scooted under the posts and converted.

Pontefract became even more fractious, one player being red-carded and two others being sin-binned.

This was a tough match for both players and visiting spectators alike but Silsden came away with the spoils and were well worth the win.

Man of the match was Crowther for a great display of determination and skill in his new role at second row.

He was closely followed by the hard-working Whitaker, who got on the scoresheet twice, and organiser-in-chief Bowness, who used all his experience to guide the whole team on what was a difficult day.

Silsden head to high-flying Woodhouse Warriors on Saturday.