Lack of numbers takes its toll on Silsden

With Silsden having only 11 men, they were up against it in rainy conditions on a heavy pitch against a well-drilled team with strong runners.

The hosts scored first, catching Silsden cold and taking advantage of a simple overlap for a converted score.

Silsden started to compete more effectively and when they set up a position in the opposition half, Scott Cunningham sold a lovely dummy to continue on an arcing run to the line. It was too far out for Ben Ross to convert.

However, the two extra players meant that Birkenshaw continued to dominate and they scored at regular intervals as Silsden tired in the mud.

The Cobbydalers kept trying to create opportunities. A great kick from hooker Jonny Crowther was spilled by the Birkenshaw winger and Jack Ninnis-Stoddart followed up to collect on the run and hare for the line. It was a well-worked try, but again too far out for the conversion.

At half-time it was 28-8 to the home team but their rate of scoring in the second half slowed down as the arrival of Chris Greenwood, staright from work, bolstered the visitors’ defence and gave much-needed encouragement.

Man of the match for Silsden, nominated by the home team, was Ross, with Crowther, Jason Scott and Jake Smith also turning in strong performances.

Silsden have a home league game against Odsal Sedbergh on Saturday.