SLAITHWAITE Saracens produced a quality performance to beat arch rivals Underbank Rangers 42-28 at The Cross.

The clash had been billed as the Pennine League Division IV match of the day - and it lived up to all expectations.

In a classic see-saw encounter, the visitors took the lead after 10 minutes wth a try from former Underbank man Wayne Scott for Richard Flooks to add the first of his five goals.

Underbank temporarily reduced the deficit with a John Birt drop goal before Martin Haigh charged over to make it 12-1.

The home side struck again with a try, but the Saracens had the final say of the half when Lee Mason raced 40m to score a third converted try to make it 18-7 at the break.

But at the start of the second half, Underbank threatened to take control and, by the hour, had deservedly taken a 22-18 lead.

Yet going behind for the first time seemed to bring the best out of the Saracens.

Jason Knapton quickly responded to put Slaithwaite back in front, and within minutes Glyn Atkins had extended the lead.

Then Mason completed a hat trick and Flooks crossed for a try to seal their hosts' fate.

Although beaten in the end, Bank should take a lot of credit from their performance, scoring tries through Marc Hirst (2), Max Berry and Jamie Tarazi and five goals from Birt, who also landed two drop goals.