NEWSOME Panthers lost their spot at the top of the Second Division after being held to a 30-30 draw at Ovenden A.
But they had mixed feelings about the result, with Ovenden able to field a stronger side than usual because their National Conference League team had a free weekend.
And it was clear from the start that the visitors would have to be at their best to get anything out of the contest as their Halifax hosts scored two quick tries.
Fortunately, it was then that the Panthers came to life, with the defensive work of Damian Kenchington, Mark Bebey, Lee McAfferty and Ste Farrell inspiring the fightback.
Their reward was to see Newsome open up a 20-14 lead by the break.
Ben Feehan set the ball rolling with the opening try and, before half-time, Feehan had added a second and Ste Farrell and Andy Brick also crossed and Feehan and Russ Studholme landed goals to nudge the Panthers ahead.
The contest remained just as tight in the second half, with Feehan completing his hat trick and Darren Fox also scoring to give the visitors a 30-28 lead as the game entered its closing moments.
But with time ticking away, Ovenden were awarded a penalty and the kick was converted to level the scores.
