Wath Brow Hornets couldn’t quite follow up an impressive home win last week against Conference Premier leaders Siddal.
They were at home again, this time to reigning champions Hunslet ARLFC, but were finally beaten 20-14.
But it wasn’t without controversy. The sides were all square at 12-12 when Harry Dodd went in for a 52nd minute try.
However there were strong claims that he had stepped into touch on his way to the line.
Unfortunately, and not for the first time, there were no official touch judges. Consequently each club provides someone to run the line but they can only signal for balls going into touch.
The try was given by the referee and although Cole Walker-Taylor pulled back two points from a penalty the Hornets could not regain parity.
Victory was sealed for the visitors with their fourth try three minutes from the end.
Earlier in the game Wath Brow had established a 12-4 lead after the visitors had scored the first try.
Walker-Taylor went in under the sticks for the first try which he converted and he also added the extras when Ellison Holgate crossed for a second try.
Hunslet had replied with a converted try to go in at half-time 12-10 behind but were quickly level on the re-start with a penalty.
It was at that point, with the game well poised, that Hunslet scored their controversial try.
Wath Brow’s local rivals Egremont and Kells did not play as they had brought forward their derby clash to Challenge Cup weekend.
Ellenborough Rangers were considered unlucky to lose 30-24 at Pilkington Recs in Division Two when their hosts scored twice in the last two minutes.
Ellenborough’s Danny Penman was sin-binned for dissent after one of the tries was considered extremely controversial by the Cumbrians.
It had been a good come-back by Elbra as they had trailed 20-6 which made the late home tries particularly disappointing.
Kai Gilhespy (2), Sean Mumberson and Penman scored tries with four goals from Mumberson.
Millom were on the receiving end on their visit to leaders Shaw Cross Sharks and they finished on the wrong end of a 52-6 scoreline.
Rio McQuiston scored the Millom try which was converted by Lee Postlethwaite.
Barrow Island had dropped into relegation trouble so a 16-14 home win against Dewsbury Celtic was welcome.
It was looking to be a bit more comfortable than that going into the last quarter when they led 16-6 and had to withstand a late Celtic barrage which hd brought them two unconverted tries.
The Islanders had established their lead with tries from Aidan Wright (2) and Dec Baines with Sam Jones landing two goals.
Seaton Rangers were the only Cumbrian side in Division Three action and they went down 74-10 at Leigh East.
Joe Curwen and Caine Barnes scored tries, one of which was converted by Jon-Carl Bryan.
Coach Gus Frazer said: “It was a tough day but we knew that, then two lads never even turned up on the day so we went with 13.
“Two lads who were just going down for the day out ended up playing for us and one hadn’t played for five years.
“There were some big efforts from some of the lads. Our two props Duncan Moyle, who is 45, and Andy McGlasson (40) both played the full 80 minutes.
“Lewis Mason who is normally on the wing or centre played hooker and all three played very, very well.
“We just have to forget it now and move on to prepare for Drighlington on Saturday which will also be this season’s special charity day.
“We will be wearing the charity kit and hopefully raise a lot of money for a great cause.”
