Old Rishworthians produced the grit and determination needed in heavy conditions to beat West Leeds 24-10 and take another step towards security in Yorkshire II.
West Leeds camped in the home team’s half and kicked a penalty to take the lead, but the home pack steadily took control and a forward drive allowed Fraser Swarbrooke to touch down and convert his own try.
Rishworthians were pushed back into their own half and conceded two penalties, but both kicks were missed.
Following good work by the home forwards, Brad Radcliffe made a telling break before passing to Anthony Shoesmith, who crossed the line.
Swarbrooke added the conversion to give Rishworthians a 14-3 half-time lead and as the weather deteriorated and the light faded in the second half the game became a forwards battle played mainly in the Rishworthians half.
The Calderdale side had to defend for long periods.
But in a rare visit upfield, they won a penalty which was kicked by Swarbrooke to increase the lead.
The visitors hit back and when a clearance kick was charged down and the resultant try was converted.
The Copley men responded in the best possible way when the backs linked well to put Chris Flanagan over in the corner for a try, converted by Swarbrooke, to seal the game.
Old Crossleyans suffered a narrow away defeat in North I East as they went down 25-22 at West Hartlepool.
In Yorkshire I Old Brodleians were beaten 26-17 away at Bridlington, and Heath also slipped on their travels, going down 43-20 at Doncaster Phoenix.
Halifax were winners in Yorkshire IV as they beat Mosborough 26-12 at home, but Halifax Vandals were beaten 20-19 at York RI.
