Moor the merrier

May 2 2008 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

EMLEY MOOR have been promoted to Division I of the Pennine League in somewhat controversial circumstances.

They travelled to Huddersfield rivals Newsome Panthers knowing that whoever won would be promoted.

But at the end of 80 minutes the sides were locked at 16-16, which meant the Panthers finished in second place and ahead of Moor in the League table – with a superior points difference of 121!

However, under Pennine League rules, the advantage went to the side that won the clash with the two clubs earlier in the season. That was Emley, who won the first meeting by five points, and so they went up.

Although it was a disappointing way to settle the promotion issue, Moor were arguably the better team on the night, looking much fresher after their weekend clash against Calder Valley was declared a walk-over.

Newsome, on the other hand, looked a little battle-weary on the back of their 27-16 defeat at the hands of champions Wyke.

Injuries to the Panthers squad clearly took their toll, although some promising end-of-season performances from new boys Ben Cuttell, Josh Cuttell, Sam Dalby, Austin Barrowclough, Matthew Bravo and Jack Davis does bode well for the future.

Meanwhile, Underbank Rangers share Newsome Panthers’ disappointment after they missed out on promotion from Division IV with a 16-4 home defeat to Liversedge.

Matthew Franks scored his side’s only try.