Huddersfield YMCA, 22 Wirral 29

DESPITE the threat of rain and the already heavy conditions this was an entertaining game as both sides sought points given they are at opposite ends of the table.

Although this was a strongly contested game it was Wirral’s majority share of possession and territory that won the day.

It was as early as the third minute when a well-executed move close to the YMCA line allowed Chris Burrows to give Wirral the lead, held only briefly as a good YMCA backs move saw Stuart Morton race in for a try converted by Simon Wilson to give the home side the lead at 7-5.

Wirral continued to apply pressure but could not force their way over, even turning down kickable penalty chances.

Against the run of play, YMCA centre Adam Ryder took a quick penalty and ran 45m unopposed to extend the home sides lead to 12-5 at half-time.

Wirral began the second half playing with greater fluency and levelled the score after 46 minutes when Chris Speed scored under the posts, James Annetts adding the conversion.

YMCA then took the lead again with a long distance penalty by Wilson.

The next 20 minutes saw Wirral in complete control as they ran in three tries through Craig Harvey, James Annetts and Keith Mahon; one converted to extend Wirral’s lead to 29-15.

In the dying minutes of the game YMCA fought their way up field and were rewarded with a losing bonus point when Gavin Stead scored a converted try.

Wirral achieved their goal of five points and thus maintain second place in the league.

Next week they have an intriguing top of the table clash at Clatterbridge against leaders Sheffield Tigers, with the match kicking off at 2pm - weather permitting.