The 20-year-old ex-Siddal junior, one of the stars of last season's title winning Fax under 21s side, was a shock inclusion on the bench for yesterday's 56-14 win over fifth-placed Batley at the Shay.

The former BARLA under 18s representative played 50 minutes in the back row, touching down for the seventh of Fax's nine tries with a little over 10 minutes remaining to spark an emotional, and hugely personal, celebration.

"As soon as I scored I pointed to the sky and thought 'That's for you, mum'," said Bowman.

"It's been a painful 12 months, but she told us to stick together as a family and that's what we've done.

"It's been tough, but we're a big family and there's always someone to talk to if you're feeling down.

"She asked us to make her proud and I hope I've done that.

"I just want to keep training hard now and see if I can keep my place when we play Dewsbury in a couple of weeks."

Coach Matt Calland was clearly pleased with Bowman's first senior start, but admitted that singling out anyone for special mention was a thankless task.

"Andy's looking good," said Calland, who went into the game with a makeshift line up featuring one recognised half back in Graham Holroyd.

"He's a strong kid, he's training hard and if he keeps doing that he will go places.

"Hopefully, we'll have some senior players back by the time we play Dewsbury in a fortnight but he'll still be in the frame.

"But I could go from one to 17 really - James Haley is on fire, David Wrench had a great game in the front row and David Larder is unbelievable, just an outstanding professional.

"To say he's not a stand off, I was also really happy with Paul Smith.

"But everyone really rallied round, and with the team we had out we have to be pleased with the overall performance.

"I thought there was some unbelievable football played."