Slow start

overlap for left wing Jack Snowdon easily raced over.

Wilson kicked the difficult conversion attempt, and then he had a chance to increase the lead as Underbank were penalised on the stroke of half-time for interference at the playthe-ball, but Wilson’s penalty attempt hit the upright and bounced away to safety to leave the half time score at 18-4 to the hosts.

The start of the second half was a tight affair with the game predominantly played between the side’s 20 metre zones.

However, Rangers were first to score after a strong run and quick play the ball from Holmes, half back Danny Hirst created an opening for centre Alex Chatterton who superbly fed his wing partner Sam Ansell and the speedster did the rest racing over from 60 metres for a great score.

Pogson kicked the conversion and Rangers trailed by eight points with 25 minutes remaining.

Following a score you just need a steady set with a decent finish, but on the second tackle after the restart Allette was guilty of a loose carry into contact, the ball came out of his grasp and West Hull’s Lee Cator gratefully picked up the ball and rumbled over Egremont Rangers ............................. Hunslet Club Parkside ...................... Normanton Knights ........................... Wath Brow Hornets ........................... Kells .............................................................. West Hull ................................................... Thatto Heath Crusaders ................. Underbank Rangers .......................... Siddal .......................................................... Myton Warriors ..................................... Rochdale Mayfield .............................. Wigan St Patricks ................................ from ten metres.

Louis Crowther converted and the 14-point lead was re-established.

Once again though Rangers refused to roll over and on their next possession Allette atoned for his earlier error as he received a down field kick inside his own 20 metre area.

However, he soon built up a head of steam on a 40-metre return run beating several defenders before finding Ansell on his shoulder who sped over from 40 out.

Pogson again converted and we were back to an eight point margin.

After his terrific score Ansell then couldn’t take a difficult kick off in the swirling wind and in the ensuing set Rangers were made to pay as replacement hooker Nathan Powley scotted over from the play the ball.

Crowther added the extras to restore West Hull’s 14-point lead with 15 minutes left on the clock, but still Underbank took the game to their opponents as they carved out a great chance with Hirst breaking down the middle, but his pass could find Ansell who would have scored if receiving the ball.

Then Jonlee Sanderson sped through off a superb Tom Stringer inside pass, however the move was called back for an altercation in back play.

So near yet so far on a frustrating afternoon for Underbank who knew that if they could start games as they start the second halves, then they have more of a chance of securing the two points on offer.

Front row forward Matt Byatt won both the Bengal Spice Man of the Match and Rose & Crown Players’ Player of the Match with a relentless 75 minute stint and he was ran close for the honours by two try Sam Ansell, who looked dangerous every time in possession, and the hard working Sam Rochford.

Underbank now have a break for Easter, but will be back in action at home to Myton Warriors at The Cross on Saturday, April 7 (2.30pm).