Cowling Harlequins 12, Wyke A 30

COWLING pushed Wyke A all the way despite finding themselves up against the odds right from the start.

The hosts went into the game with limited numbers due to work commitments and injuries, so it was always going to be a tough task.

And when news came through before kick-off that CK Vikings could not raise a side against Wyke's first team, Quins ended up facing a very different-looking line-up.

Cowling were also hindered by losing players to yellow and red cards but still gave as good as they got.

Wyke scored within the first five minutes but, to Quins' credit, Adam Haigh, Chris Ashworth and Daz Greenwood put in solid performance to try and help their side back into the game.

Dave Gooding and Steve Powell saw yellow before Ben Pickles was lost to a red card in the 20th minute, although good work from Brian Vincent and Brannan Lawn saw them get up the field for Greenwood to go close.

The second half began with only one try in it and, at this point, Quins still had a chance. Wyke scored first but Cowling hit straight back when Danny Windle hit Greenwood on a drop-off ball to find winger Jordan Powell and he went over, with Gooding kicking the extra two points.

Wyke then made it 14-6 with 20 minutes to go but Cowling were in no mood to give in and Dan Kelly crossed for a try, with Gooding again adding the extras.

The score was now back to 14-12 but, as Cowling forced the ball, Wyke ran away with it despite the best efforts of man of the match Wayne Verity as he tried to steady the ship.

Quins now go to Meltham on Saturday hoping to get revenge for the defeat in the reverse fixture three weeks ago.