Crigglestone All Blacks 22  Sharlston Rovers 28
 
A storming second-half comeback from Crigglestone All Blacks narrowly failed to reap its reward as Rovers prevailed in a thrilling Brian McDermott Trophy clash.

Pennine Premier leaders Rovers were coasting after opening up a 22-4 interval lead, only for their first division rivals to find their feet in a cracking second period.

Quick-fire tries from Gareth Davies and James Byrom, after a flowing move involving skipper Lee Bettinson, James Lockwood and Davis, opened up a 10-0 lead for Sharlston inside six minutes, with Chris Hill adding a goal.

Crigg skipper Ryan Horsley was then sin binned for dissent and Rovers cashed in with Tom Wandless crossing after an Adam Thaler Line-break, Hill goaling.

Rovers were reduced to 12 men when Johnny Kirk cooled his heels for ten after a high tackle and Crigg hit back with Tom Malyan powering over.

But Sharlston notched their fourth score before the break when Matthew Bell went over from acting half, Hill goaling.

On the restart, Crigg were given hope when Ryan Horsley spotted a gap and darted over, Malyan adding the extras before Rovers scored their sole try of the second-half, courtesy of Lee Kellys close ranger, Kevin Dickens applying the two pointer.

After that, it was all Crigg with Andrew Webber pouncing on an astute Horsley kick and Horsley then raced through a gap to score before the end for another six pointer, but to no avail.