AN UNDER-STRENGTH St Joseph’s pulled off a creditable 12-12 draw at Queensbury in the Premier Division.
In a game played in atrocious conditions, Joes showed real character and spirit in a very physical encounter.
The visitors fell four points behind before a try and goal from captain Neil Barrett edged them ahead at the break.
Queensbury regained the lead early in the second half, but a try from Richard Aka, following a strong drive from Joe Gratino, edged Joes back in front, with Barrett adding the conversion.
The Bradford side levelled again soon after and both sides had chances to win the game in the last 10 minutes, but a draw was a fair reflection of the contest.
The top performers for the Fartown-based side were youngsters Craig Lee and Craig Howatson, along with Gratino, Adam Illingworth and Lee St Hilaire.
Lindley Swifts are through to the second round of the Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy after a 24-12 triumph at Hollinwood, while Moldgreen had an excellent 18-16 Pennine Presidents’ Cup success at Illingworth.
