NEWSOME PANTHERS are still on course to secure promotion to Division I of the Pennine League.
But any slip-ups in their remaining games could leave the way open for Emley Moor to take their place.
Newsome held on to second spot with a crucial 18-13 victory at Westgate Redoubt when they were forced to come from behind to take the honours, and now travel to leaders Wyke at the weekend for a massive clash which could determine the destination of the League title.
But if the Panthers lose that match and then falter against Huddersfield rivals Moor in the last game of the season, then Emley could go up instead.
That would only be possible if Emley beat Calder Valley at home this weekend.
However, with coach Pete Southwell’s side in a rich vein of form, it would be a massive shock if they were to lose.
They warmed up for the Valley clash with a convincing 32-4 home triumph over Ovenden A in a game where they were at full strength.
With the fit-again Karl Adamski and Scott Wilkinson leading from the front, Moor were soon in command, with tries from Jason Southwell and Dave Pawson and three Andy Tillotson goals giving them a 14-4 interval advantage.
And after the break further tries were scored by Kris Shepherd, Scott Quarmby, Taff Barron and Jamie Parmentor, with Tillotson adding one more goal.
However, it was a totally different story for Newsome, who had to battle all the way to win at Westgate.
The visitors made a nightmare start and soon fell 13-0 behind before Ben Feehan was sent off for an accidental trip.
At that stage, things were clearly not going well.
But after Ross Studholme added a penalty and coach Phil Joseph called for composure during his half-time team talk, the tide began to turn.
Within minutes of the restart Studholme and Dave Farrell combined to send Dan Nelmes over for a converted try and then James Wallace crossed to reduce the deficit to 13-12.
And in the closing stages, the reliable Studholme landed three penalties to give his team two more vital League points.
Third Division Lindley Swifts secured a 16-6 victory at Whitehall Warriors and will round off their season with a home game against champions Slaithwaite, with a third-placed finish guaranteed.
In the Premier Division, St Joseph’s went down 32-18 at home to Keighley Albion, while in Division IV, Underbank beat Dudley Hill A 28-2 and Meltham lost 16-12 at home to Brighouse A.
