Boocock is star as Silsden notch critical triumph (From Craven Herald)

Boocock is star as Silsden notch critical triumph

4:47pm Thursday 3rd November 2011 in Rugby League By Sportsdesk

Silsden 30, Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks 24

Silsden will be relieved to have come through this pulsating Pennine League Division Four game with victory against a Sheffield side who will surely be up among the promotion chasers.

The hosts started the game well when a good kick-off from Andy Bowness – a key feature of the day – caused panic in the Hawks defence and put Silsden on the front foot.

However, the visitors showed they were not there to simply make up the numbers when they responded with a break downfield and a swift passing move allowed their winger in for an unconverted score.

Sheffield repeated the dose soon after on the opposite side when their other winger crossed for another unconverted effort.

Silsden were really up against it but a charge downfield from Adam Wilkinson led to a penalty, and the centre crossed the line shortly after.

Sheffield, however, dominated thereafter and posted two scores, one of which was converted to put them in the lead at half-time.

The South Craveners knew they had to respond quickly and were soon back in the game when the irrepressible Gary Boocock stormed over, allowing Andy Bowness to knock over his second conversion.

Silsden now had their tails up and a good break from Jonny Crowther allowed Steven Dent the opportunity to score a few plays later.

Sheffield’s discipline was letting them down and Andy Bowness slotted a penalty to give the home side the advantage for the first time.

This was improved further when, after a great ball-steal from Crowther had taken Silsden downfield, Ash Wood scored in the corner. Silsden thought they had wrapped the game up minutes later when Boocock again steam-rollered through.

However, in the last ten minutes, Hawks closed the gap to six and left Silsden hanging on in a nervous finish.

Boocock was Silsden’s man of the match and was the major difference between the teams.

Silsden have a mammoth clash this weekend when they entertain old rivals Stainland Stags in a top-of-the-table encounter.

Odsal A 62, Cowling Harlequins 18

Cowling went to Odsal in confident mood in this Pennine League Division Six clash, despite some heavy losses, and started well with some big tackles and good ball play, led by their man of the match Craig Nicholson.

The hosts took the lead, but Quins hit back with the ever-present Connor Carnvery going under the sticks for Nicholson to goal.

Daz Greenwood’s penalty attempt drifted well wide and this seemed to lift a big Odsal side, who went 18-6 up at the break.

Cowling struck first after the break through new recruit Chris Spencer, who went past four players to dive in at the corner.

Odsal regrouped and, with ex-Quin Danny Windle to the fore, took full advantage of Quins’ tiring legs to run in three tries.

With captain Simon Burgoyne impressing at full back, Quins hit back with scores from Spencer and Nicholson but Odsal ran out comfortable winners.

Cowling return home this Saturday for the bottom-of-the-table clash against Wyke A (2pm).