SLAITHWAITE Saracens produced a spirited second-half fightback to give second-placed Pennine League Premier Division side Sharlston Rovers a real fright before falling to an 18-12 home defeat.

The visitors made the most of having the wind and rain at their backs in the first half as they opened up an 18-0 interval advantage.

But it was a totally different story after the break as Slaithwaite again showed they have what it takes to be a strong top-flight force.

The Saracens had a dreadful start to the contest, conceding a drop-out from the kick-off from which the visitors scored a converted try on the fifth tackle.

And by half-time, Rovers had extended their advantage to 18 points with a second try midway through the half and a third seconds before the break.

But in the second half with the wind and rain at their backs, the determined Saracens began to fight back.

Within 13 minutes of the restart, hooker Damian Kenchington crossed from close range and Danny Garside added the conversion.

And four minutes later Simon Burkinshaw forced his way over and Garside again converted to bring the Saracens to within six points.

In the final 20 minutes, Slaithwaite threw everything at the Sharlston defence, but Rovers held firm to deny what would have been another super top-flight Saracens success.

The defeat meant Slaithwaite slipped to third in the table, while Huddersfield rivals St Joseph’s remain fifth after battling to a 12-12 draw at Halifax side Siddal A.