Pennine League 11-a-side Division: Methley Royals 62 Cowling Harlequins 6

A YOUNG Cowling side took plenty of heart from this spirited performance despite the one-sided scoreline.

The game started with Matty Handforth – brother of former Cougars star Paul – controlling the Royals around the park.

But a dropped ball saw Methley go in at the corner as the hosts accumulated points. Darren Greenwood tried two drop goals to get Cowling on the board but both were disallowed.

Great work from Nathan Parkin and Dean Williamson kept Quins in the contest for as long as possible.

Greenwood tried every trick in the book much to keep the Royals at bay. Good work from Patrick Priestley and Dave Butterfield got cowling near the line but the hosts went in 40-0 up by half-time.

Methley took their foot off the gas after the break. Cowling got off the mark when powerful running from Liam Sanctuary saw him power over the line and Greenwood converted.

Cowling will aim to take the spirit shown in this display into their home game against Upton A on Saturday.