ST JOSEPH’S will tomorrow bring the curtain down on what has been a very solid first season back in the Premier Division of the Pennine League with a home game against Keighley Albion.
And coach Keith Senior’s side will be in buoyant mood after the 28-26 midweek home victory over Drighlington.
A win this weekend would make it three on the trot and could see them finish as high as fifth in the League ladder.
In the game against Drighlington, Joes stormed into an early 12-0 lead through tries from James Street and Neil Barrett, who also added the conversions.
This was due to a top defensive stint, led by Craig Lee and Phil Simpson and Simon Lyles.
But the visitors then hit back strongly to close the gap to 12-10 at the break before taking the lead at the start of the second half.
Fortunately, Joes were able to respond positively with tries from Adam Illingworth and Lee St Hilaire following a well-worked move from a scrum involving Graham Hyland and Joe Flaherty. Barrett added the conversion.
In the last five minutes the visitors looked to have secured the points with a converted try.
But on the stroke of full-time Illingworth darted in for his second try which Barrett converted to complete a thrilling contest.
In an excellent team performance there were superb displays from Flaherty, Dave Simmons, Ben Lewis and St Hilaire.
There are several other Pennine League games for Huddersfield sides tomorrow.
In Division I, Moldgreen face a tough trip to second-placed West Bowling A.
And in Division II, Newsome Panthers will keep their promotion hopes very much alive with a win at Westgate Redoubt, with Emley Moor – at home to Ovenden A – ready to pounce if they slip up.
Another promotion-chaser, Lindley Swifts, travel to Whitehall Warriors in Division III, while in Division IV, Underbank Rangers host Dudley Hill A and Meltham All Blacks welcome Brighouse A.
