Wath Brow Hornets pulled the short straw when it came to the opening fixtures in the new Conference Premier Division season.
They had to take-on the two best teams from last season – West Hull and Siddal – and although beaten in both there were positives in both for coach Ian Rooney.
The Hornets lost 16-8 at home to Siddal, a commendable effort as they continue their transition with fresh faces establishing themselves in the side and the tougher environment.
Wath Brow actually took the lead with a well-taken try by Owen McCartney who darted over from close range and Sam Curwen landed the conversion.
Siddal came back with a converted try of their own, to level up buty Curwen booted the Brow ahead again with a penalty.
It was very tight stuff, set-for-set but Siddal had sneaked ahead by half-time with two successful penalties.
Just 10-8 adrift at the break Wath Brow sensed they might be in with a shout but the only try of the second-half went to the visitors, and converted it to stay out in front to the final whistle.
Wath Brow are on the road this Saturday when they travel to Castleford to take on Lock Lane.
Other scores from the Premier Division – Heworth 36, Lock Lane 30; Hunslet ARLFC 34, York Acorn 0; Waterhead Warriors 16, Thatto Heath Crusaders 42; West Bowling 14, West Hull 24; Wigan St Jude’s 40, Rochdale Mayfield 10.
Hear Ian Rooney’s verdict on the game below:
