NEW side Silsden Storm played their first game last weekend and hope it will be the start of a new dawn for junior rugby league in the town.

Rob Weir, Chris Priestley and former Cougarmania star Phil Stephenson are behind the new club, who have started with an under-tens team but plan to expand to other age groups.

Weir, who coached at Keighley Albion, said: "Silsden has been a rugby league town for many years but, for whatever reason, it has never really got up and running with the juniors. The last time a junior team played out of Silsden was 15 to 20 years ago.

"We saw a massive need for it and, with all our boys playing the game, it just makes it even more important to us to make it work."

The club will play at Silsden Park, where the changing rooms have been revamped, and will use Cobbydale Social Club (Twisters) as its clubhouse.

Weir added: "The Yorkshire Junior League and the RFL have been so supportive in helping us get to be able to play our first game.

"We have a great pitch and thanks to Cougars director Neil Cullen, who has supported us with anything we need, we are using Twisters as our clubhouse.

"We would like to also say a massive thank you to the people of Silsden, who have given us a warm welcome and there feels a real excitement around the town.

"Silsden has a great catchment area and the more kids we can get off the streets and playing rugby league the better."

For further details, contact silsdenstorm@hotmail.com. Training takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays (6.30-7:30pm) every week.

The under-tens' first outing against West Bowling resulted in defeat but not without making it hard work for one of the toughest sides they will face. Storm's first try came from Robson Weir, using his feet to dazzle the defence before scoring under the sticks and converting. The second try came from Jack Beck, whose pace was a continuous threat, with Jake Bartlam converting.

Awards went to: Man of the match – Joe Beck, Opposition man of the match – Jake Bartlam, Top Tackler – Joe Priestley, Magic moment – Jack Beck, Supporters player – Joe Beck, Player of the week – Mark Surridge.