Collins settles topsy-turvy clash with the boot

COOL HEAD: Kevin Collins kicked a late penalty to hand Hollinwood a vital two points against West Craven Warriors

HOLLINWOOD kicked off 2017 with a hard-fought 23-22 victory at fellow strugglers West Craven Warriors.

In a game that was riddled with mistakes, it required the cool head of Kevin Collins to stroke home a 35-yard penalty to seal the two vital points.

The visitors from Fields New Road had 14 players for the Pennine League Division Two clash - unlike the hosts, who could only raise 12 men.

Alistair Williams put Hollinwood in front with a try, before a Ben Rogers touch down, converted by Collins, forged a 10-0 lead.

Several handling errors by Hollinwood allowed the home side to score 18 unanswered points for a half-time advantage.

Collins reduced the deficit with a drop goal, before Williams went in for his second try, again converted by Collins.

In a topsy-turvy encounter, two penalties from West Craven saw Hollinwood trail by five points.

However, as the home side tired, Andy Smith scored a try.

With only one point in it, Collins then stepped up to land a long-range penalty to clinch Hollinwood's second win of the season.

Jim Hamilton impressed for Hollinwood, with Pete Davies and Smith also working hard.