Pennine League Division Four: Silsden 12 Wortley Dragons 48

ON A HEAVY pitch both teams began with just 12 players and fitness was clearly going to be a key factor.

Wortley started brightly and were rewarded when a well-directed kick to the right wing was gathered cleanly for a good try.

Silsden made a lot of errors in the difficult conditions but Chris Greenwood, leading from the front as always, made no mistake when he forced his way over the line from acting half, with Charlie Lowrie converting.

Wortley responded immediately, taking advantage of some poor tackling to post another converted try.

An altercation led to a player from each side being sent off, while the incident also resulted in Jak Adams having to leave the field injured with a badly cut eye.

It was now ten against 11, with the home side suffering the numerical disadvantage, and this allowed the visitors to get on top. They posted two more scores before half-time to give them a 14-point lead at the break.

The second period saw Wortley go further ahead with another try from a kick, but Silsden were then given new heart when they posted another six-pointer.

It was made by Lowrie, who intercepted in his own 22 and then ran most of the length of the field before being hauled down. The ball was played but knocked down by a Wortley player, creating the chance for Lowrie to pick up again and feed the supporting Danny Whittaker, who crossed the whitewash, Ben Ross converting.

It proved to be a false dawn as Silsden were rapidly running out of steam. Wortley took control and ran in four more tries to complete a comprehensive win.

Silsden are at Swillington next week, when they sorely need the support of all registered players for a tough game.