Sharks denied by last minute penalty

Andy Burland crossed the whitewash as Shaw Cross Sharks drew 24-24 at York Acorn.

The stalemate leaves the Sharks seventh in the table, five points clear of the relegation zone with six matches remaining.

However, it could have been even better for Shaw Cross as they led 24-22 going into the final stages when Acorn stand-off Anthony Chilton landed a last minute penalty to give his side a share of the spoils in a game which swung one way and then the other.

Tim Elliott, Adam Endersby, Jordan Myers and Joe Porter were the Acorn try scorers with Chilton ending with four-goals.

The Sharks thought they had done just enough before being denied at the end.

Full-back Derrell Olpherts helped himself to a brace of tries and he was joined on the scoresheet by Jack Gledhill and Andrew Burland.

Daniel Flowers was on target with four conversions.

The Sharks entertain Milford on Saturday with the Marlins just one place and two points below them in the standings and Shaw Cross know victory will go a long way to dispelling any lingering relegation fears.

Dewsbury Celtic are in severe danger of slipping into Division Two after they suffered a 12th defeat of the season at the hands of table topping Rochdale Mayfield at Crow Nest Park.

Things get no easier for Celtic as they travel to second placed Oulton on Saturday with the Raiders just a point behind Mayfield with a game in hand.

Winger Liam Riley crossed for Celtic’s only points in the opening quarter but they had little answer to a Mayfield side brimming with confidence.

Visiting centre Liam Whalley picked up a hat-trick and there were further tries from Robert Kershaw, Matt Calland, Callum Marriott and John Foy.

Sam Butterworth chipped in with three goals to round off Rochdale’s 34-4 success.

Remaining six matches for Shaw Cross and Dewsbury Celtic

July 26: Shaw Cross Sharks v Milford Marlins, Oulton Raiders v Dewsbury Celtic.

August 9: Dewsbury Celtic v Eccles; Myton Warriors v Shaw Cross Sharks.

August 16: Dewsbury Celtic v Millom; Eccles v Shaw Cross Sharks.

August 30: York Acorn v Dewsbury Celtic; Shaw Cross Sharks v Saddleworth Rangers.

September 6: Dewsbury Celtic v Milford Marlins; Oulton Raiders v Shaw Cross Sharks.

September 13: Myton Warriors v Dewsbury Celtic, Shaw Cross Sharks v Rochdale Mayfield.