Shaw Cross clinch fine away victory

Action from the National Conference clash between Normanton and Shaw Cross Sharks. Pictures: Andy May

The Sharks led 10-6 at half-time but went on to dominate after the break, running in a further five unanswered tries.

Jordan Anderson and Jack Gledhill crossed for a brace of tries apiece, while Martin Woodhead and Ross Roebuck were also on the scoresheet. Casey Johnson sealed the win with three goals.

Lee Starbuck crossed for Normanton’s first half try, which Adie Mulcahy improved but they had no answer to the Sharks impressive second half display.

It was a double delight for the Shaw Cross club as the Sharks’ A team came from behind to defeat Elland 30-12 and take another big step towards clinching the Yorkshire Men’s League Division Two title.

Having overcome league leaders Bradford Dudley Hill, the Sharks moved two points clear at the top with Saturday’s victory over Elland.

Shaw Cross need three points from their final two away games, at Hunslet Warriors A this Saturday and East Leeds A on August 15, for James Collins’s men to clinch the title.

The Sharks did not start well against Elland, who adapted to the torrential rain better early on and ran in two converted tries in the opening 15 minutes.

The home side hit back when captain Jamie Searby chipped through an inch-perfect kick for Ben Spaven to score out wide.

Great build-up work by forwards Andrew Burland and Luke Hudson led to Jake Townsend getting the first of his hat-trick of tries.

Aiden Kay converted but Elland led 12-10 at half-time and the Sharks had work to do.

Shaw Cross dominated after the break as Townsend scored his second try with a great solo effort, before youngster Joseph Halloran intercepted an Elland pass and raced 70 metres for a terrific try, which Searby converted.

Townsend completed his hat-trick with a 55th minute try and Elland heads then began to drop as the Sharks closed in on victory.

New signing Steven Morton got in on the action and beat five defenders before racing the length of the field to score a brilliant try in the final minute.

Searby converted and the Sharks have a points difference of plus 30 over their title rivals Dudley Hill, who host Normanton Knights in their penultimate game on Friday.