West Bowling ARLFC have now lost their opening three games of the new National Conference League Premier Division season.

The newly-promoted Bradford side were much improved on Saturday from their two previous thumpings, but a poor spell either side of half-time proved fatal, as their hosts Wath Brow Hornets recorded a 36-18 victory.

It was a good day from the kicking tee for Bowling half back Liam Coe, as he converted all three of Bowling’s tries in Cumbria.

The men to cross the whitewash for John Williams’ side were experienced prop Nathaniel Light, young winger Dan Rushforth and reliable replacement Lewis Galtress.

But Wath Brow full back Sam Curwen stood out with both ball in hand and with boot on ball, as he scored two tries and landed four goals to end up with 16 points in his side’s ultimately comfortable victory.

Bowling are one of only two teams left in the top flight without a win yet this season, alongside Castleford outfit Lock Lane.

In Division One, Stanningley paid for a poor first half at near-neighbours Oulton Raiders.

Losing 20-0 at the break, the visitors fought back well, but still suffered a 30-18 defeat.

In Division Three, Drighlington put two points on the board with a 26-12 victory at Milford.

Competitive action gets underway for most of our Yorkshire Men’s League sides in the next week or two, but Saturday saw some entertaining final friendlies.

Jonathon Ward was reporting on Odsal Sedbergh’s derby at home to bitter rivals Wyke, as the hosts began a new era with a 20-12 warm-up victory.

Long-serving coach Gary Priestley stood down at the end of last season and Robert Booth has stepped up to become player-coach.

This was also the home side’s first match on their new flat pitch at the Sedbergh Centre, leaving behind their famous ‘Sedbergh slope’ just a few hundred metres away on Cleckheaton Road.

Tries from Shaq Jones, Shane Scrimshaw and Jack Appleyard had Sedge in control, but Wyke roared back to only trail 16-12 with under 10 minutes left to play.

But it was Booth himself, who has already cut his teeth coaching the Sirens (Sedge’s women’s team), that settled proceedings.

He marked his debut in the dugout for the men with what proved to be the decisive final score to seal victory for his side.

Wibsey Warriors entertained Moldgreen for a friendly and breezed to an impressive 40-10 home win.

One of our sides did get their competitive campaign underway, but their Saturday sadly fell flat.

Keighley Albion Academy were in action home to Oulton Raiders’ second string in the YML Shield, and after an absorbing 80 minutes of action, it was the visitors who came away with a 30-20 victory.