Harnett douible in vain for Elland

After a long period of set-for-set play, with no side making much impression, a kick from Kells was caught by Elland’s fullback but the ball was dislodged in the tackle for Kells to pick up and score a converted try.

Another spell of tit for tat play followed before Elland passed down the line and Tom Harnett crashed over between his centre and winger. Cayci Pearson converted and it was 6-6 at half time.

Temperatures on the field were rising and Elland took the lead when Judd Fairbank crashed over. He appeared to be held up over the line but the referee awarded the try and Ben Anderson’s goal made it 6-12.

Kells pulled back four points when their half back stepped inside and there was no Elland cover. The home side then went 14-12 up when their winger scored out wide.

Kells had the bit between their teeth now and a runaround move foxed the visitors’ defence, the home prop scoring with a swallow dive.

A blind side play enabled a home centre to put the winger away and it looked all over at 24 – 12.

However, Elland had the final say. Although Richard Crawshaw was ruled not to have scored following man of the match Pearson’s line break, Harnett got his second on the next play.

Tenth-placed Elland are at home to Skirlaugh, who are one place above them, next Saturday.