SLAITHWAITE Saracens had to graft for victory in their Pennine League Premier Division clash with Queensbury.

The home side eventually won through 10-6 but had to rally after going into the half-time break trailing to their rivals from Bradford.

The visitors made a strong start and their early endeavours were rewarded on 15 minutes when they split the Slaithwaite defence with a well-worked move that ended with the hooker going over near the posts.

Fortunately for Saracens the goal attempt came back off the woodwork and within 10 minutes they had levelled the scores with Gavin Dyson finishing off a slick move, but Danny Garside’s shot at goal also hit the frame.

Queensbury finally ended the kicking drought as they slotted over a penalty to take a lead into the second half, but Saracens began to find their form after the break.

On 52 minutes they finally got their noses in front when Shaun Mitchell raced through for a try and Garside this time found the target to put the home side four points ahead and, with both defences on top for the remainder of the game, Slaithwaite took the points to keep the pressure on leaders Queens and second-placed Sharlston Rovers.