RL: Saracens still on course despite top Panthers show

Mar 11 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

SLAITHWAITE Saracens remain on course for the Pennine League Division II title after extending their unbeaten run to 11 games.

But Huddersfield rivals Newsome Panthers came within touching distance of pulling off a major upset as they were just edged out 20-18 in a cracking encounter.

As expected, some ferocious defence was the order of the day, while some of the attacking rugby on display would not have been out of place in the Premier Division.

After a tight opening with defences on top, the Saracens opened the scoring, but by half-time the Panthers had opened up a 12-6 lead.

With the home side’s forwards on top and led superbly by man-of-the-match Luke Roberts, it was no surprise when a last-tackle power play resulted in Thomas Guinan crossing for the first of his brace, converted by Ross Studholme.

And the Panthers followed up with more good play to put Alex Chatterton over in the corner for a try converted by Ben Dawson.