Top spot beckons if Siddal unlock Lane
Siddal will jump into top spot in the National Conference Premier Division if they beat Castleford Lock Lane at Chevinedge on Friday (7.30). Siddal currently sit a single point behind leaders Wigan St Patricks, but can leapfrog them - at least for 24 hours - if they can complete a seasonal double against Lock Lane.
Gareth Greenwood’s side go into the game on the back of a thumping 50-8 win at Thatto Heath last weekend, a venue where they have traditionally struggled.
“Last week was a really good win for us,” said Greenwood.
“They’re having a bit of a tough season, but it’s something like seven years since we’ve won there and we’ve taken some pepperings there as well.
“It was an important win and if we get past Lock Lane we’ll be top, at least for a day.
“We’re certainly in a better place than we were six weeks or so ago.”
Greenwood believes the difference has been made by the arrival of recent reinforcements, led by Freddie Walker, the former Halifax and Swinton full back.
“Freddie’s come in, Richard Mervill’s come in, Shaun Garrod has come back after injury, Gav Stead and Billy Hammond have come back from rugby union,” said Greenwood.
“I honestly wouldn’t pick one of them out, but obviously you put those five in any side at our level and they make a mas- sive difference because they are all quality players.” Elland are at home to Skirlaugh in Division One tomorrow , having lost 24-16 to leaders Kells at Whitehaven last Saturday.
After a long period of setfor-set play, with no side making much impression, a kick from Kells was caught by Elland’s fullback but the ball was dislodged in the tackle for Kells to pick up and score a converted try.
Another spell of tit for tat play followed before Elland passed down the line and Tom Harnett crashed over between his centre and winger. Cayci Pearson converted and it was 6-6 at half time.
Temperatures on the field were rising and Elland took the lead when Judd Fairbank crashed over. He appeared to be held up over the line but the referee awarded the try and Ben Anderson’s goal made it 6-12.
Kells pulled back four points when their half back stepped inside and there was no Elland cover. The home side then went 14-12 up when their winger scored out wide.
Kells had the bit between their teeth now and a runaround move foxed the visitors’ defence, the home prop scoring with a swallow dive.
A blind side play enabled a home centre to put the winger away and it looked all over at 24 – 12.
However, Elland had the final say. Although Richard Crawshaw was ruled not to have scored following man of the match Pearson’s line break, Harnett got his second on the next play.