NEWSOME Panthers claimed a derby double over Lindley Swifts with a thrilling 17-16 Pennine League Division 1 triumph.

But they were made to work for the full 80 minutes against their eager hosts.

While Newsome were lacking five regular starters, they found themselves up against a Lindley side boasting a number of new, influential players to make them much stronger on the day.

This was reflected as the Swifts soon took the lead before Martin Robinson powered over in the corner to level the scores as 4-4 at the break.

Newsome started the second half the brighter and were rewarded when Dan Farrand burst down the wing before offloading to Tom Eidson to cross for a try which he then converted.

Then, with Tom Nelmes leading the Panthers pack by example, quick handling from Gareth Carter, Ross Studholme, Nelmes and Max Boothroyd opened up the Lindley defence for Will Smith to cross on the hour for a second converted try to make it 16-4.

But all credit to the Swifts as they hit back in spectacular style to level the scores with five minutes remaining to set up a thrilling finale.

Once again, however, excellent work from the Newsome provided the perfect field position for Studholme to slot over a drop goal to seal a win and sink Swifts hopes of an unlikely victory.

At the same tine, it was a tale of woe for the town’s Premier Division sides, with Slaithwaite Saracens and St Joseph’s both slipping up.

While Slaithwaite were suffering a bitterly disappointing 34-14 defeat at fellow mid-table team Wibsey Warriors, St Joseph’s went down 42-6 at home to leaders Drighlington.

The weather for Slaithwaite at Wibsey varied from brilliant sunshine to rain and sleet driven by a biting wind, which seemed to have an effect on the way the visitors performed.

By half-time, they were 24-4 behind, with their try coming from Alex Chatterton.

And things didn’t change much after the break, although they did add further tries from Damian Kenchington and Joe Fitzpatrick.