MELTHAM All Blacks have claimed the derby bragging rights in spectacular fashion.
The in-form Pennine League Division V title-chasers underlined their excellent start to the campaign by powering to a big 50-6 home triumph over Slaithwaite Saracens A.
The second-placed hosts dominated from start to finish to make it seven wins from nine starts and keep the pressure on leaders Hanging Heaton.
Matt Worrall led the try-scoring with a hat trick, while Ryan White scored twice and Ben Moorhouse, Rob Craner, Nathan Richardson and Matty Carter added the others.
Josh Worrall completed the points bonanza by landing seven goals from nine attempts.
There was better news for Slaithwaite’s senior side, however, as they progressed into the second round of the Pennine President’s Cup with a 16-0 home triumph over Batley Boys.
Saracens got back to winning ways after last week’s defeat at the hands of Halifax Irish and they took the lead after ten minutes when Marlon Billy made a break and had the speed and power to score under the posts.
Gavin Dyson added the extras, but the heavy conditions were making it hard to produce the fast rugby that the Saracens are capable of.
However, they broke through again on the half-hour when Simon Burkinshaw raced clear and got over the over the line.
Again Dyson added the extras to double the Saracens lead at half-time at 12-0.
Tom Guinan touched down after ten minutes of the restart and it proved to be the only score in the second half – although the Saracens were ‘held up’ several times after crossing the try line.
In the conditions it was a good result and also keeping a clean sheet.
