Halifax finish on a high

The Ovenden Park men had clinched promotion to Yorkshire Three with victory over Sheffield Oaks the previous week in what was supposed to be their last match.

However, a coach breakdown had meant they were unable to get to Leyburn in North Yorkshire the previous week, prompting yesterday’s re-arrangement.

Halifax duly made it 10 wins and draw since their defeat to subsequent champions Wetherby on December 13 with a strong defensive display.

There was a battle for control in the first 20 minutes, Halifax absorbing everything that Dale threw at them and launching some impressive counter attacks.

With new player Joe Francis impressing from the start, the visitors took the lead through a trademark jinking run from player-coach Giles Hetherington and Richard Cole conversion.

However, ‘Dale replied with two penalties to trail only 7-6 at half time.

An unconverted Toby Turner try gave Halifax more breathing space and a late Aaron Horner penalty made the game safe for Halifax, who have finished nine points clear of third-placed Skipton.