ST JOSEPH’S secured their first Pennine League Premier Division victory of the season with a 22-14 triumph over Crigglestone All Blacks.

Although coach Keith Senior’s side lost their opening two games, they produced encouraging displays on both occasions and this win was always on the cards.

Joe’s started the game strongly with their pack on top and, after a sustained period of pressure, scrum-half Jimmy Folan crossed the tryline following a break from loose forward Joe Flaherty. Winger Darren Kelly added the conversion.

This was soon followed by a close-range try from prop Richard Brooke which was converted by Kelly.

Crigglestone then hit back with an unconverted try, but Joe’s finished the half strongly, with stand-off Adam Illingworth pulling the strings.

It was no surprise, therefore, when good build-up play resulted in Folan putting Flaherty over in the corner, with Rob Joyce adding a touchline conversion.

This was then followed by an interception try from winger Leon Alexis Bailey to make it 22-4 at the break.

Injuries to key players disrupted Joe’s in the second half and Crigglestone fought back to score two tries to close the deficit to 22-14.

Despite further chances for both sides, there were no more scores and Joe’s were able to celebrate a victory in which Folan was man-of-the-match, closely followed by Illingworth and Flaherty.

While their was defeat for the All Blacks of Crigglestone, there was also disappointment for the All Blacks of

Meltham as they were beaten 40-24 by Wibsey Warriors in Division V.

Meltham got off to an excellent start with early tries from Ross White and Johnny Savile, who scored on his debut for the club, and led 12-10 at the break.

But Wibsey started the second half with far more purpose and scored several tries on the back of some careless play from Meltham and managed to establish a comfortable lead.

At this point Meltham could have capitulated, but instead they responded with yet another try set up by Ryan White, who saw Christopher Stephenson with space to run into.

And then Dave Walker forced his way over for the final try, with Rob Lewis converting all of his side’s scores.