Pennine Supplementary Cup Semi-final: Silsden 34 Illingworth 12

AFTER a long break due to waterlogged pitches and unavailable teams, Silsden marked their return to action by reaching a cup final at the expense of Division Four West leaders Illingworth.

The Halifax team had beaten the Cobbydalers convincingly in the league just a month ago.

But the home team started brightly with some good handling and got on the scoreboard when Ben Atkinson touched down following a great offload from Ben Ross. Jak Adams converted.

The scores were level again when Illingworth showed equally good handling to post a converted try. They then took the lead when a kick down the left was gathered and passed inside to a supporting player for a try near the posts, again converted.

The match swung again when the lively Ross refused to be tackled and crossed under the posts. This time Charlie Lowrie converted, leaving it all square at half-time.

Silsden started the second half strongly. Jonny Crowther made good yards before handing on to Phil Stephenson, who offloaded to the supporting Scott Cunningham, who crossed under the posts for another try, Lowrie adding the extras.

Crowther really had the bit between his teeth and got across the whitewash himself with a powerful surge from acting half, again made into a six-pointer by Lowrie.

Adams was next on the scoreboard with a pacy gallop down field and the final score came when great support play was rewarded with a try for Ben Atkinson under the posts, Lowrie adding his fourth conversion of the day.

The final score of 34 to 12 takes Silsden through to the final of the Supplementary Cup, and the opportunity to get some silverware on the shelf.

Silsden will face Division Four East outfit East Leeds in the final.

The Cobbydalers are at home to Mirfield Stags A on Saturday.