Elland edge top-of-the-table battle

A drop goal from stand off Phil Taylor was the difference between the sides at the end with second-placed Elland advertising their promotion credentials in a tough battle.

Centre Richard Crawshaw and star man Jack Fairbank, playing at loose forward, got the home tries and prop Cayci Pearson one goal.

Kells, who trailed 6-4 at the break, toughed down through Craig Benson and Tony Burns with Ross Gainford adding a goal.

Ovenden thrashed other long-range travellers, Askam, by 70-18 in the same section at Four Fields.

It was all over at half time, Gareth English’s side having built a 40-12 lead.

Chris Geoghegan played at scrum half and bagged three of Ovenden’s 12 tries, with centre Martin Mullen also getting a hat-trick.

Other tries came from winger Sean Dyson (two), in-form fullback Luke O’Mara, Arran Varley, Niall Brady and Joss Bentley with prop Nathan Smith kicking 11 goals.

Leading lights Siddal completed a good day for amateur rugby league in Calderdale with a 42-10 win over Hunslet Warriors in the top flight.

Siddal, beaten only twice in 12 outings, are four points clear at the top although they have played more games than their nearest pursuers.

Sean McCormack played at hooker in the absence of injured Craig Sanderson and turned in a man of the match display.

Siddal led 24-0 at half time and extended their advantage, tries coming from Ros White (two), Danny Williams, George Ambler, Scott Caley, Steve Hope and returning stand off Shaun Garrod.

Fullback Gareth Blackburn slotted seven goals.