Hollinwood let it slip

IN A fast and furious Pennine League clash, Hollinwood went down 40-34 at home to title rivals Newsome Panthers, who staged a spirited second-half comeback.

The home side seemed destined for another two points in the cracking Division Five encounter after building up a big lead.

But it was the Huddersfield outfit who emerged victorious with a late converted try.

A large crowd were treated to some entertaining rugby, and they watched Panthers build-up a 10-point lead.

Phil Davies put Hollinwood on the board after breaking clear from inside his own half, with Andy Gorey landing the conversion.

Gareth Benias crossed, and with Gorey adding the extras, the home side found themselves in front.

Panthers drew level with a penalty, but Hollinwood finished the half on top thanks to tries from Gorey and man-of-the-match Warren Taylor. Gorey converted one of the touch downs for a 22-12 advantage.

It got even better for Hollinwood in the early stages of the second period as Taylor went over again, with Paddy Jennings converting.

But the Panthers gritted their teeth and clawed their way back with a series of converted tries to nose in front.

Hollinwood hit back thanks to a Davies try, goaled by Gorey, but it was Panthers who finished strongly to claim the spoils.