This weekend’s National Conference League action saw some thrilling encounters, with teams battling hard for crucial early points.
Three of the four national amateur divisions were in action on Saturday, March 15.
Entering its second round the Premier Division, West Bowling continued their strong form with a solid 26-18 victory over Hunslet ARLFC.
A well-structured attack and disciplined defense helped them secure the win despite Hunslet’s resilience.
Waterhead Warriors delivered a dominant display, overpowering Leigh Miners Rangers 30-10. Their attacking combinations clicked perfectly, ensuring a comfortable victory.
At Lock Lane, the home side put in an impressive shift, securing a 22-10 win over Dewsbury Moor Maroons. A strong defensive performance, coupled with clinical finishing, made the difference for the home side.
Meanwhile, Rochdale Mayfield put on a commanding performance to defeat Wath Brow Hornets 28-12. Their ability to control possession and break through the Cumbrians’ defensive lines proved key.
In a lower-scoring affair, West Hull edged out York Acorn 12-4 in a hard-fought contest where defense dominated. West Hull’s organization in key moments helped them claim the points.
League leaders Waterhead Warriors head to York Acorn on Saturday, March 22, while West Bowling welcome Rochdale Mayfield and West Hull face Lock Lane.
Cumbria’s Wath Brow Hornets play Siddal as Dewsbury Moor Maroons head to Leigh Miners Rangers and Thatto Heath Crusaders travel to Hunslet ARLFC.
Premier Division Results
Hunslet ARLFC 18-26 West Bowling
Leigh Miners Rangers 10-30 Waterhead Warriors
Lock Lane 22-10 Dewsbury Moor Maroons
Rochdale Mayfield 28-12 Wath Brow Hornets
West Hull 12-4 York Acorn
Premier Division Table
- Waterhead Warriors – 4
- West Bowling – 4
- West Hull – 4
- Rochdale Mayfield – 2
- York Acorn – 2
- Lock Lane – 2
- Siddal – 2
- Hunslet ARLFC – 2
- Dewsbury Moor Maroons – 0
- Thatto Heath Crusaders – 0
- Leigh Miners Rangers – 0
- Wath Brow Hornets – 0
Division One got underway with several teams delivering dominant performances, while others battled hard for crucial opening day victories.
Ince Rose Bridge showcased their attacking prowess with a resounding 46-6 victory over Crosfields. Their ruthless finishing and defensive control ensured a comfortable win.
Wigan St Judes also impressed, securing a 34-12 victory against Egremont Rangers. A strong second-half performance helped them pull away from their opponents.
In a closer contest, Heworth overcame Oulton Raiders 34-22 in a thrilling game. Heworth’s attacking combinations proved too much for Oulton despite their spirited effort.
Shaw Cross Sharks picked up an important away win, defeating Oldham St Annes 34-22. Their ability to capitalize on key moments made the difference.
At Stanningley, the home side secured a 26-16 victory over Kells, showing resilience in defense and clinical execution in attack.
Finally, Wigan St Patricks put in a dominant display to beat Woolston Rovers 36-10, controlling possession and dictating the tempo throughout the match.
The first Cumbrian derby takes place on March 22 as Kells host Egremont Rangers with both sides looking to get their first points of the season.
Ince Rose Bridge take on Heworth as Wigan St Judes welcome Stanningley while Crosfields head to Shaw Cross Sharks and Woolston Rovers play Oldham St Annes.
Division One Results
Crosfields 6-46 Ince Rose Bridge
Egremont Rangers 12-34 Wigan St Judes
Heworth 34-22 Oulton Raiders
Oldham St Annes 22-34 Shaw Cross Sharks
Stanningley 26-16 Kells
Wigan St Patricks 36-10 Woolston Rovers
Division One Table
- Ince Rose Bridge – 2
- Wigan St Patricks – 2
- Wigan St Judes – 2
- Heworth – 2
- Shaw Cross Sharks – 2
- Stanningley – 2
- Kells – 0
- Oldham St Annes – 0
- Oulton Raiders – 0
- Egremont Rangers – 0
- Woolston Rovers – 0
- Crosfields – 0
In Division Two Cumbrian side Barrow Island produced a statement performance, running in multiple tries to claim a 48-10 win over Drighlington. Their attacking fluency and defensive organization proved too much for the visitors.
Clock Face Miners earned a solid 20-6 away victory against Ellenborough, showing discipline and control throughout the game.
Similarly, Dewsbury Celtic matched that scoreline with a 20-6 win over Hensingham, using a strong defensive display to keep their opponents at bay.
In a closely fought contest, Normanton Knights edged past Pilkington Recs 28-20, capitalizing on key moments to secure an important victory.
Another tight battle saw East Leeds grind out an 18-12 win over Skirlaugh, with their defense holding firm in the closing stages.
Meanwhile, Thornhill Trojans impressed with a 42-22 victory against Hull Dockers, showcasing their attacking firepower to claim a crucial two points.
The second Cumbrian derby of March 22 takes place between Hensingham and Barrow Island while Ellenborough head to Hull Dockers.
Skirlaugh make the trip to Thornhill Trojans as leaders East Leeds take on Normanton Knights with Dewsbury Celtic hosting Pilkington Recs and Drighlington look to bounce back at Clock Face Miners.
Division Two Results
Barrow Island 48-10 Drighlington
Ellenborough 6-20 Clock Face Miners
Hensingham 6-20 Dewsbury Celtic
Pilkington Recs 20-28 Normanton Knights
Skirlaugh 12-18 East Leeds
Thornhill Trojans 42-22 Hull Dockers
Division Two Table
- East Leeds – 4
- Clock Face Miners – 4
- Normanton Knights – 4
- Barrow Island – 2
- Thornhill Trojans – 2
- Dewsbury Celtic – 2
- Hensingham – 2
- Drighlington – 2
- Ellenborough – 0
- Skirlaugh – 0
- Pilkington Recs – 0
- Hull Dockers – 0
Division Three gets underway next week on Saturday, March 22, with Saddleworth Rangers hosting Beverley, Featherstone Lions take on Leigh East and Keighley Albion are at home to Bentley.
Cumbria’s two entries are both at home as Distington play Myton Warriors and Millom face Milford.
Division Three Results
Saddleworth Rangers v Beverley
Distington v Myton Warriors
Featherstone Lions v Leigh East
Keighley Albion v Bentley
Millom v Milford
Division Three Table
- Bentley – 0
- Beverley – 0
- Distington – 0
- Featherstone Lions – 0
- Keighley Albion – 0
- Leigh East – 0
- Milford – 0
- Millom – 0
- Myton Warriors – 0
- Saddleworth Rangers – 0