Pennine League Division Six West: Cowling Harlequins 16, Victoria Rangers A 25

COWLING knew they had to be at their best against the leaders and started well, good hands across the field allowing Daz Greenwood to draw the winger and put Craig Nicholson over in the corner, Scott Cunningham missing the conversion.

Rangers hit back when hooker Ray Greenwood dived over from close range but, with good work from brothers Adam and Rob Haigh and man of the match Liam Mitchell making great yards, Harlequins moved upfield and won a 23rd-minute penalty, which Cunningham kicked to level the scores.

Vics spread the ball well and, after a bust up in the middle of the park and three successive penalties, they shipped the ball wide to go over in the corner.

However, Quins showed their mettle before half-time when, after good work by Alister Feather and Jack Cawood, Danny Whittaker powered past four defenders, Cunningham adding the extras to cut the margin to 14-12.

In the second half, Cowling showed defensive solidity to keep Vics out, with good work from Nicholson, Mitchell and hooker Steve Powell, and when the hosts did get into Rangers' 20, Mitchell hit an angled run off a Powell pass to power in past three defenders and give Harlequins the lead for the first time in the game.

Cunningham missed the two but, with 15 minutes to go, Cowling dug deep and restricted Rangers numerous times.

However, in the dying minutes, the young Rangers side struck hit twice in the corner and, as a mark of respect, added a drop goal to make sure of the win.

Nevertheless, this game has set Harlequins up well for their big derby against old friends Wyke A next week at Silsden Park (2.30pm).