BRAMLEY BUFFALOES 14 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 28 – Stanningley, Friday
Wizards bounced back from their heavy loss at Featherstone to reignite their top 6 chances with a dour but valuable 28-14 win at bottom of the table Bramley, at a rain swept Stanningley.
Returning Jono Smith was once again the stand out for the Wizards as he poached two tries, kicked four goals and was influential in all the best moments the visitors had.
Once again there were host of changes to the Buffaloes team, Nick Fontaine and Graham Harrison returned and Des Morris on the wing made a very favourable impression.
Bramley have found points scoring difficult all season and they butchered a perfect opportunity to post points in the first minute when after conceding two penalties in succession the Wizards found themselves defending on their own line.
A loose pass was overrun by Anthony Ward and the Buffaloes were called back for a forward pass, a glorious opportunity missed.
The hosts suffered a further blow on four minutes when Hafeez Yesufu had to leave the field with a leg injury, not to return.
Warrington completed their opening sets and a casual punt downfield saw the referee controversially award the visitors a 40/20 and from the scrum Smith burrowed through some weak tackling to score.

Poor discipline from the Buffaloes saw them gift the Wizards almost 60 metres in field position and Smith needed no invitation to go over again on 15 minutes for his second try, which he converted.
Poor ball retention and ill discipline were costing the Buffaloes dear but Louie Barrett forced a drop-out on 21 minutes in rare foray into Wizards territory and it was Barrett who eventually opened up a resolute Wizards defence on 29 minutes when his deft angled kick was collected by Fontaine who raced over from 10 metres.
Once again, though, as the Buffaloes sought to establish themselves back in the game a wayward pass on the first set after the restart saw them loose possession and two plays later Paul Alcock went over.
 Smith converted and kicked a further penalty on 39 minutes to stretch the Wizards advantage to 18-4 at the break.
A strong start at the beginning of the second half looked to have lifted Bramley however good work from Campbell and Ayres saw Brophy go over in the corner as the Buffaloes defence on the edges were exposed again, Smith landing an excellent touchline conversion.
The Buffaloes through Ward and Parker were making good metres but appeared to lack an attacking structure and often resorted to one-man plays.
Both Barrett and Walsh were trying to create openings but over-elaborate passing and offloading in the wet conditions invariably saw the ball go to ground.
Warrington were also guilty of some handling errors but by and large their more conservative game plan paid dividends.
Bramley got a life line when, after what looked like a knock-on, the referee waved play on and Barrett dived on a loose ball to score an opportunist try on 51 minutes.
Similarly, on 55 minutes, a seemingly clear knock on by the Wizards saw the referee inexplicably wave play on and Walsh scored to leave the visitors 28-8 ahead.
To their credit, the Buffaloes reduced the deficit when Fontaine scored again and Barrett converted to put a bonus point in prospect but the game petered out in the closing minutes as neither side really threatened to add to their tally.

BUFFALOES
1    Duane Platt
2    Steve Suddards
3    Nick Fontaine
4    Sean Storie
5    Des Morris
6    Louie Barrett
7    Liam Walsh
8    Anthony Ward
9    Hafeez Yesufu
10    Michael Horrocks
11    Ash Taylor
12    Benoit Rogers
13    Karl Wilson
    Subs (all used)
14    Dave Parker
15    Craig Broadbent
16    Graham Nash
17    Graham Harrison

Tries: Fontaine (29, 64), Barrett (52)
Goal: Barrett

WIZARDS
1    Carl Lloyd
2    Hayden Gahgan
3    Liam Walsh
4    Darren Forshaw
5    Troy Brophy
6    Chris Campbell
7    Warren Ayres
8    Nick Owen
9    Hayden James
10    Dan Stubbs
11    Paul Alcock
12    Paul Reynolds
13    Jono Smith
    Subs (all used)
14    Billy Sheen
15    Tom Blaney
16    Mike Rosson
17    Anthony Reilly

Tries: Smith (5, 14), Alcock (35), Brophy (45), Walsh (55)
Goals: Smith 4
Men of the match:    BUFFALOES – Duane Platt        WIZARDS – Jono Smith
Half time: 4-18
Referee: Gareth Evans

DEWSBURY CELTIC 22 VALLEY COUGARS 28 – Crow Nest Park, Saturday
Cougars leapt up to third in the standings and ahead of Celtic with a fine win in Yorkshire, second rower Mark Jones outstanding.
Valleys opened in determined fashion and immediately put Celtic under pressure, Ryan Saddler held up in the 15th minute.
But it was Celtic who opened the scoring, hooker Liam Edwards from acting half-back sending their best Alex Walmsley on a thrilling 50 metre run to score at the side of the sticks, Niki Crabtree converting.
In the 25th minute Valley’s Tylan Mafi came close scoring but was pushed into touch by the Celtic cover tacklers in the corner.  
In response, Josh West cheekily chipped over the visiting defensive line, collected but was unable to ground the ball.  
The visitors got on the score sheet four minutes before the break, Steve Bray forcing his way past the tacklers to score from 10 metres out.
Celtic continued to pressure but were undone on the stroke of half time, a long kick down field seeing Lewis Fox steal in and gather to go over near the posts, Paul Emmanuelli converting to make it 10-6.

Dewsbury, playing downhill in the second half, began strongly Alex Walmsley just held up on the line in the 44th minute.  
Valley’s responded when winger Danyl Davies took advantage of a loose ball to sprint 80 metres up the flank to score close to the corner, Emmanuelli goaling superbly.
The hosts replied two minutes later as West saw a gap and put hugely impressive Alex Walmsley through for his second try, Niki Crabtree’s goal reducing the deficit to four points.
Both teams lost a player on the hour with the sin binning of Celtic’s Danny Thomas and Valley’s Sean Owens.
Soon after, the excellent Jones battled his way over in the corner, Emmanuelli again adding the goal but, in a nip and tuck clash, in the 68th minute Edwards and West teamed up to put Tom Harrington in at the corner, to narrow the gap to a converted score.
Thomas returned and within two minutes came close to scoring as he was put through on a clear run only to be called back for a forward pass.  
The visitors stretched their lead to a decisive one in the 77th minute when a cross field kick was collected by Jack Pring to score in the corner, converted by Emmanuelli
Celtic finished off the scoring in the last minute to at least grab
a bonus point when Valleys put a high ball up into the home quarter only for Pat Foulstone to catch and run 80 metres for a glorious touchdown in consolation.

CELTIC
1    Pat Foulstone
2    Tom Kilroy
3    Danny Crabtree
4    Tom Harrington
5    Jason Muranka
6    Josh West
7    Niki Crabtree
8    Liam Walmlsey
9    Liam Edwards
10    Alex Walmlsey
11    Shane Tasker- Howard
12    Joe Diskin
13    Danny Thomas
    Subs (all used)
14    Tom Norris
15    Elliott Smith
16    Ryan Ginnelly
17    Dave Townend

Tries: A. Walmsley (22, 47), Harrington (68), Foulstone (79)
Goals: N. Crabtree 3

COUGARS
1    Kev James
2    Liam Watton
3    Lewis Fox
4    Jack Pring
5    Danyl Davies
6    Paul Emmanulli
7    Phil Carlton
8    Chris Davies
9    Sean Owens
10    Ryan Saddler
11    Mark Jones
12    Barrie Phillips
13    Tylan Mafi
    Subs (all used)
14    Steve Lang
15    Ben Thomas
16    Lee Jenkins
19    Steve Bray

Tries: Bray (36), Fox (38), Davies (45), Jones (61), Pring (77)
Goals: Emmanuelli 4
Men of the match:    CELTIC – Alex Walmsley        COUGARS – Mark Jones
Half time 6-10
Referee: Luke Fellows

KIPPAX KNIGHTS 82 COVENTRY BEARS 16 – Welfare Ground, Saturday
An astonishing first half blitz that saw the Knights run in a half century of points paved the way for an emphatic victory to shock the high-flying Bears.
Kippax ran in 15 tries in all, including hat tricks to winger Andy Matthews and highly impressive centre Richard Stone.
With some key players missing through injury and suspension it was always going to be a tough assignment for the Bears, Kippax going above them on the table and into second with this emphatic win.
The Knights scored on four minutes, hooker Paul Brown easing his way over and within 10 minutes were leading 14-0, Chris Redfearn and Matthews with his first crossing.
The Bears staged a brief rally when winger Tanaka Chamunokara pulled a try back in the corner and Stephen Coleman’s conversion gave a brief spark if hope.
That was the only highlight of the half as nothing seemed to go right for the hapless Coventry side from there on in as Kippax went on the rampage.
With a virtual monopoly of possession, they crossed at will, Matthews, Stone twice, Dave Jessey, prop Lee Williamson and Adam Withington, together with the boot of Andy Speake bringing up the half century by the break.
With the score at 50-6 all the Bears had to play for was pride but the second half brought no respite and in the next 20 minutes the Knights went on as they had before the interval.
Matthews and Stone claimed their trebles sandwiching Brown’s second and scrum half Craig Oliver got in on the act.
Leading 72-6, their defence finally cracked when Coleman returning from injury jinked his way over near the posts, but surprisingly missed the conversion.
Ten minutes later, Bears scrum half Tim Leishman also found a way through the Kippax defence to again raise the spirit of the traveling fans.
Knights, though, finished strongly, Ian Booth and Redfearn with his brace crossing before the referee blew his whistle to save any further embarrassment for Coventry.
Bears assistant coach Mark Sloan was left to rue the proceedings. "I have told the lads it's over- forget it. That score cannot be undone. We need to bounce back at home to Featherstone next week. A win will raise our spirits and that is the only response that will go towards making up for today."

KNIGHTS
1 Chris Redfearn
2 Andy Matthews
3 Stuart Biscomb
4 Richard Stone
5 James Cryer
6 Andy Speake
7 Craig Oliver
8 Lee Williamson
9 Paul Brown
10 Adam Biscomb
11 Steve Scott
12 Dave Jessey
13 Chris Knowles
Subs (all used)
14 Martin Taylor
15 Ian Booth
16 Adam Withington
17 Craig Jones
Tries: Brown (2, 47), Redfearn (5, 77), Matthews (8, 22, 42), Stone (18, 35, 50), Jessey (33), Williamson (30), Withington (39), Oliver (55), Booth (72)
Goals: Speake 11, Redfearn

BEARS
1 Nick Thatcher
2 Rob Nicholls
3 Steve Coleman
4 Matt Cooper
5 Tanaka Chamunokara
6 Tom Tsang
7 Tim Leishman
19 Mike Venn
9 Scott Clendenning-Fenton
14 Tom Watts
11 Chad Grant
12 Brad Massey
21 Rob Brown
Subs (all used)
14 Nigel Mukarati
22 Sam Blaney
16 Steve Grundy
20 Dan Walton

Tries: Chamunokara (15), Coleman (66), Leishman (70)
Goals: Coleman 2
Men of the match:    KNIGHTS – Richard Stone    BEARS – Tom Tsang
Half time: 50-6
Referee: Scott Mikalauskas

HUDDERSFIELD UNDERBANK RANGERS 30 FEATHERSTONE LIONS 26 – The Cross
Games between these two sides are traditionally close and exciting affairs, and this match-up was no exception as the teams served up a tremendous feast for the hardy souls who braved the wet and windy conditions.
As a result of the victory Rangers remain unbeaten after 12 rounds, a club record for consecutive wins, after a tremendously hard fought game, which was a fantastic advert for the competition.
The Lions will be disappointed to only get the bonus point from a game that they held the upper hand in for significant periods especially in the first half and many observers thought that a draw may have a fairer result.
Featherstone looked like they had the game won when impressive half Kevin Eadie crossed in the 73rd minute and loose forward Scott Glassell added the extras to them a slender two point advantage, but Underbank’s never say die attitude came to the fore as rampaging prop Craig Williams raced over from 20 metres out with less than two minutes remaining to break the hearts of the Lions.
The visitors had all the early pressure and almost scored on their first set in possession, but they lost the ball in the tackle only a few metres out.
However, shortly afterwards they did open the scoring, after a Lee St Hilaire knock on gifted them great field position, and back rower Ryan Mallinder crashed over on the back of some smart work from Mark Kear and Dean Gamble and Ian Jackson added the conversion.
Rangers immediately hit back as man of the match Williams made a surging break up the middle, the ball was shifted swiftly to the left where centre Adam Ryder burst through the Lions defensive line to score despite the attention of three Featherstone defenders.
The Lions then increased their lead following Rangers being penalised for offside. After a couple of forward drives set up the position, Eadie and Richard Frankland moved the ball with great speed to winger Adam Hepworth who had an easy stroll in try.
Jackson converted and the Lions led 12-4 after just 12 minutes.
The game being played at a furious pace with both sets of forwards putting in some punishing defence and it was no surprise that points were hard to come by until Rangers had a purple patch at the end of the first period.
Firstly, after Williams and player coach Richard Knight had set up the position with incisive breaks, Jack Mitchell hit the defenders and somehow spun out the tackle to reach over and score in the 31st minute.
Then centre Alex Chatterton beat the Lions’ Jackson to touch down following kicks ahead by Knight and Courtney Allette.  

The Lions struggled to control the ball in the early part of the second half and consequently Underbank dominated and it was no surprise, after continual pressure on the Featherstone try line, that the home side raced in for an early score, Sam Dalby bustling his way over from ten metres out, Barrett converting and Rangers led by eight points.
Rangers’ Chatterton misjudged the ensuing kick off and handed possession to the Lions and Eadie raced over in the left hand corner for the first of his brace on the day.
Frankland could not convert the try from the touchline and nor again shortly afterwards in the blustery conditions following winger Sam Wilson’s score near the right hand touchline.
There was very little between the sides in terms of effort and skill, and nothing between them on the scoreboard as the contest entered the final quarter tied up at 20 points apiece.
Lions’ discipline then started to wane and Barrett kicked a penalty conceded for dissent while the visitors were in possession.
That indiscretion was doubly punished as the kick off sailed out of play on the full and Barrett kicked a second penalty goal from halfway.
However, the Lions were not beaten yet as another superb piece of individual play from Eadie saw him cross for his second try with seven minutes remaining.
Barrett then missed a penalty shot to level the scores with three minutes left and all in the ground thought that the unbeaten record had gone for Underbank, but their ‘play to the final whistle’ approach ensured the record remained intact with Williams’ stunning touchdown as the match ended in dramatic fashion.   

RANGERS
1.    Will Midgley
2.    Courtney Allettte
3.    Alex Chatterton
4.    Adam Ryder
5.    Richard Aka
6.    Richard Knight
7.    Neil Barrett
8.    Craig Williams
9.    Adam Carroll
10.     Sam Dalby
11.     Sam Housley
12.     Craig Williams
13.     Lee St Hilaire
Subs
14.     Stephen Berry (not used)
15.     Jack Mitchell
16.     Dom Horn
17.     Sam Cummings
Tries: Ryder (7), Mitchell (31), Chatterton (34), Dalby (48), Williams (79)
Goals: Barrett 5/8

LIONS
1.    Ian Jackson
2.    Sam Wilson
3.    Danny Glassell
4.    Lee Land
5.    Adam Hepworth
6.    Richard Frankland
7.    Kevin Eadie
8.    Mark Kear
9.    Dean Gamble
10.     Sean Emblem
11.     Rob Firth
12.     Ryan Mallinder
13.     Scott Glassell
Subs (all used)
14. Gareth Davies
15. Tom Burns
16. Jack Candlin
17. Danny Milton
Tries: Mallinder (4), Hepworth (12), Eadie (49, 73), Wilson (60)
Goals: Jackson 2/2, Frankland 0/2, S. Glassell 1/1
Men of the Match:     RANGERS – Craig Williams        LIONS – Kevin Eadie
Half time: 14-12
Referee – Michael Mannifield

HEMEL STAGS 36 NOTTINGHAM OUTLAWS 12 – Pennine Way, Sunday
Another virtuoso performance from hat trick hooker, teenager Martyn Smith was the highlight of Hemel’s win over Nottingham.
The livewire rake was a menace throughout and covered a huge amount of ground and was well supported by Jason Price’s orchestrating of the backs and the strong running from forwards James Howitt, Jamie Goss and Illja Radan.
The victory leaves Hemel joint sixth in the table with Featherstone as the race for the play offs hot up.
Smith opened the scoring on eight minutes, a typical poacher’s effort from close in out of dummy half in the wet conditions.
A neat offload from experienced full back Barry Jon Swindells allowed Seb Ward to cross on 16 minutes, Ryan Butcher goaling to make it 10-0.
Nottingham showed some fortitude in defence and it took until just after the half hour for the Stags to extend their advantage, Price in support of a characteristic Smith 30 metre scoot to go over by the posts, Butcher again goaling.
Hemel prop Sol Lawal crashed over soon after, Butcher’s third goal making it 20-0 but there was solace for the hardworking Outlaws when, just as the whistle was about to sound for half time, great expansive play saw full back George Gordon link at the perfect time to go over, Shane Wright adding the extras to make it 20-6 at the interval.
There was little to choose between the sides at the start of the second half as Outlaws attempted to gain more of a foothold, Smith again proving to be the difference when it mattered.
Butcher’s fine offload, which saw him hit after releasing it, set the hooker free and Smith scampered home, Price successfully taking over the kicking duties.
Gordon claimed his second on the end of another sparkling back line move by the visitors, Bryn Waldram converting and at 20 points behind with eight minutes left that was still a bonus point up for grabs for the visitors.
That hope was extinguished at the death as the ever-alert Smith backed up another off load in traffic to claim his third score in an outstanding personal display.

STAGS
1    B J Swindells
2    Ashley Fyson
3    Eddie M’Baraga
4    Mitch Henderson
5    Yusuf Lawal
6    Jason Price
7    Ryan Butcher
8    James Howitt
9    Martyn Smith
10    Adam Hill
11    Tim Thompson Essex
12    Seb Ward
13    Tom Sadler
    Subs (all used)
14    Illja Radan
15    Jamie Goss
16    Danny Stocks
17    Connor Boyd Barnes

Tries: Smith (8, 55, 79), Ward (16), Price (31), Butcher (63)
Goals: Butcher 2, Price 2

OUTLAWS
1    George Gordon
2    Stew Redhead
3    Bryn Waldram
4    Nick van Ruben
5    Jake Want
6    Jimmy Goodwin
7    Oliver Crick
8    Adam Millward
9    Shane Wright
10    Freddie Humphries
11    Matt Abbot
12    Rory McQueen
13    Tom Atkinson
    Subs (all used)
14    Will Ephraim
15    Ian Dennant
16    Jono Was
17    Simon Morton

Tries:  Gordon (39, 72)
Goals: Wright, Waldram
Men of the match:    STAGS – Martyn Smith        OUTLAWS – George Gordon
Half time: 20-6
Referee: Tom Mather