Shaw Cross Sharks came out on top in an emotional National Conference Division Two clash played at Dewsbury Celtic.
The game marked the memory of Ben Restall, a young Celtic player that sadly lost a battle with Cancer in 2015, and forms a regular part of the season calendar for both sides. Ben's parents were in attendance and a generous crowd contributed to the fundraising efforts for Childhood Cancers, with both touchlines packed.
The first chance went the way of Celtic when the ball went left in the first couple of minutes but a spillage meant no points were added and instead it was Shaw Cross that got the scoreboard moving when loose forward Dec Tomlinson blasted over and added the conversion after seven minutes.
Attacking down the slope, Shaw Cross continued to ask questions when Tom Ashen was held up after 11 minutes and Tomlinson forced a drop out. The Sharks then lost stand off Ashen with a dislocated shoulder in the 20th minute and up stepped Brandon Bates to force his way over, just seconds after taking the field. Tomlinson couldn't goal but the Sharks were good value for their 10-0 advantage.
Shaw Cross had the better of the first 25 minutes, but Dewsbury Celtic responded, forcing a drop out of their own and gradually they were able to wrestle more territory and made the most of it in the 32nd minute when Harry Copley cut through from a scrum and added the goal.
A lapse in discipline saw Brad Baines sinbinned after head contact and it seemed like he had barely crossed the touchline when Celtic went down the left with a booming pass from Copley and Mike Foulstone flew in to level the scores.
With excellent work on both sides of the ball from Shaw Cross prop Tenneson Neagle, who was a tower of strength and beacon of consistency throughout, the scores were locked at the break. Early in the new half Evan Stephenson broke from his own half only to be hauled down by Paul Foulstone and Dewsbury Celtic countered with Copley, Paul Foulstone, Nathan Waring and Mike Foulstone all getting forward. But when Shaw Cross returned to full compliment it was their turn to march upfield and Dec Tomlinson grounded his second try and converted for a six point advantage. Tomlinson missed a Sharks penalty in the 55th minute and Celtic continued to put pressure on themselves with three late tackle penalties.
At the other end Stephenson crafted a chance for Josh Frain but he was ankle tapped as he tried to get away from the defence. 66 minutes in Celtic played a flowing move and Lewis Teale found his winger Jordan Hirst, but he was tackled into touch.
Shaw Cross went back to basics and with nine minutes remaining, Tomlinson dropped a goal to make it 10-17. Celtic ensured a dramatic finish when James Pickering grounded after some good approach work and Copley goaled from wide out, but the Sharks held out to win 16-17 and lift the memorial trophy in an excellent advert for the game, ending a five year hoodoo from the hosts.
Shaw Cross now hold local bragging rights until the return fixture later in the season and also advance to the Heavy Woolen Cup Final.
Elsewhere in Division Two there were wins for Barrow Island, Myton Warriors, Woolston Rovers and Normanton Knights .
In the Premier Division Hunslet ARLFC continue to dominate their opposition with a 60-6 demolition of a weakened Leigh Miners Rangers while Rochdale Mayfield continued their impressive start to the campaign with a 16-4 success over Siddal and there were wins for Hull Dockers, Thatto Heath Crusaders and West Hull. Lock Lane and Wath Brow Hornets fought out a 16-16 draw.
In Division One Oulton wrapped up a 22-2 success over Egremont Rangers while Skirlaugh held off a determined Thornhill Trojans and Heworth enjoyed their first win of the season at Stanningley. West Bowling claimed an impressive 48-18 victory over Clock Face Miners.
While Division Three saw Oldham St Annes claim a thriller against Millom, and wins for Leigh East, Drighlington and Hensingham.
NCL Results - Thursday 16th March
Division Two
- Wigan St Judes 16 Waterhead Warriors 32
NCL Results - Saturday 18th March
Premier Division
- Hull Dockers 36 York Acorn 16
- Hunslet ARLFC 60 Leigh Miners Rangers 6
- Lock Lane 16 Wath Brow Hornets 16
- Rochdale Mayfield 16 Siddal 4
- Thatto Heath Crusaders 18 Kells 12
- Wigan St Patricks 22 West Hull 32
Division One
- Oulton Raiders 22 Egremont Rangers 2
- Skirlaugh 22 Thornhill Trojans 18
- Stanningley 12 Heworth 34
- West Bowling 48 Clock Face Miners 18
Division Two
- Barrow Island 28 Saddleworth Rangers 12
- Dewsbury Celtic 16 Shaw Cross Sharks 17
- Myton Warriors 40 Milford 4
- Normanton Knights 21 Dewsbury Moor Maroons 16
- Woolston Rovers 52 East Leeds 16
Division Three
- Bentley 4 Leigh East 30
- Drighlington 32 Beverley 20
- Hensingham 26 Eastmoor Dragons 18
- Oldham St Annes 18 Millom 12
By Dave Parkinson
Image: Sykes Photography / Shaw Cross Sharks
