Slaithwaite Saracens started their new campaign in summer rugby with a hard-fought 26-16 home triumph over Ossett Trinity in Division III of the Yorkshire Men’s League,

It was a nip-and-tuck game right up to the last 10 minutes and could have gone either way, with the sides locked at 12-12 at the interval.

The Saracens started the game well and notched a score in the opening six minutes when Tom Eidson twisted and stepped his way through the defence for Bradley Neen to add the extras.

Ossett replied within five minutes, and then just before half-time both teams scored again, with Allen crossing for a second converted Slaithwaite score.

A positive half-time chat from Si Birkinshaw roused the team, who are basically playing together after only two full weeks of training, with the new arrivals from around the town gelling and working well for each other.

In a 15-minute period three scores from Birkinshaw, Flooks and Neene put the hosts 26-10 in front,

However, Ossett came back strongly again and narrowed the gap to 26-16 to set up a nervy final five minutes.

But despite Ossett having their tails up and pressing hard to try and get another score, the Saracens’ defence stood firm and kept them out to leave them in buoyant mood for Saturday’s home clash against Keighley Albion.

To add to the win. there was another piece of positive news, with the return of Slaithwaite’s teams to their former popular clubhouse, which has now been renamed the Classrooms, for all the pre and post-match hospitality.