Methley Royals, already crowned champions, brought the curtain down on their inaugural season in style with a 36-8 victory over Swillington in the CMS Yorkshire League’s Unison Division Four Top Four Final at hospitable Normanton.

The Royals, without stand off Matty Handforth, who has joined Featherstone Rovers, had too much firepower up front for the Storm.

Prop Adam Biscomb, a colossal presence, had strong support from the likes of Eddie North, Lee Denton, Thomas Wheatley, Paul Farrar and Ian Palfreyman.

Faultless full back JP Briers came close to recording a superb long range try in the closing minutes, while stand off Tommy Skerrett was named man of the match after scoring a try and six goals from as many attempts.

Wingers Sam Payne and Michael Jacques, together with substitutes Carl Garman and Richard Scott, responded well in the backs.

Captain Simon Dickinson, operating at scrum half, opened Methley’s account with a classy 50-metre solo try in the fifth minute, and that effort was followed by a long-range touchdown for pacey centre Danny Agar off the sweetest of back-passes by Biscomb.

Swillington hit back when stand off Paul Hirst powered over but Methley eased to an 18-4 interval lead when Agar grabbed an opportunist score.

The Storm threatened to force their way back into the contest when, shortly after Skerrett had been wide with a drop goal attempt, full back Matthew Baker squeezed in at the corner following a 70-metre raid.

Skerrett, though, got Methley back into gear with a bustling touchdown and livewire second row Lee Starbuck, switched to the centre following a shoulder injury to centre John Hughes, put paid to Swillington’s hopes with an interception try on the hour.

Starbuck closed the scoring with a late try off hustling hooker Reece Willshaw’s smart pass.

Article Courtesy of Phil Hodgson

Steve Manning
BARLA Media Manager & PRO

Normanton Knights v Castleford Panthers. Open Age.

Saturday 06/03/10 2.30pm ko at the Graveyard.

This is a big game for both teams, Cas Panthers are 3rd in the NCL div 1 and are pushing really hard for promotion, Normy are 6 points behind them but have 3 games in hand on the Panthers, so the Knights will be looking at this as a 4 pointer for them.

Normanton took the spoils at Raglan Close earlier in the season with a closely fought 10-6 win, so the Panthers will be looking for revenge. A big crowd is expected for this clash so come early.

Pre and Post match refreshments can be found in the Working Mans Club next door.

Look forward to seeing some old friends

Normy Knights 28 v 10 Panthers.

Good game.

Rob, are Heworth coming over this Saturday? Was gonna pop down and watch mate.

Anyone know the KO time for Smawthorne vs Garforth U14's on Sunday? and whether its at S.Thorne or Garforth, thanks

Oulton Raiders under 8s (and other junior age groups!) are seeking new players for the coming season. Training on Wednesday evenings, matches on Sunday mornings. Please PM me or see www.oultonraiders.com for details.

Oulton Raiders under 8s (and other junior age groups!) are seeking new players for the coming season. Training on Wednesday evenings, matches on Sunday mornings. Please PM me or see www.oultonraiders.com for details.