Strong second half show has Fryston off to winning start

Having played them recently in a friendly where they mixed their NCL and YML players the Warriors knew what to expect.

Oulton were quick out of the blocks to put the Fryston defence under tremendous pressure, but they withstood it magnificently with Rhys Bonser leading his pack well.

They fell behind, though when, after a giving away a string of penalties for silly infringements Oulton shipped the ball wide and centre Adrian Holdsworth went over in the corner. Full-back Kieran Walpole added the conversion.

Fryston started to crawl their way back into the game, but they insisted on giving away silly penalties even though a few were dubious to dent their chances of getting on the scoresheet.

However, they overcame this and James Allen went on a storming run to crash over at the side of the posts. The conversion was missed and it was 6-4 at half-time.

Stern words from coach Paul Tomlinson at the break highlighted that penalties were preventing Fryston from playing their game. This seemed to do the trick as they came out for the second period and took the match to Oulton.

The hosts struggled to get out of their own half and Fryston used the amount of ball they had as slick handling saw Danny Jarrett go over in the corner. Jae Priest took over the goalkicking role and landed a magnificent touchline conversion.

The Warriors were buzzing and it did not take them long before they were camped on the Oulton line again. Massive inroads were made by forwards Allen, Bonser, Ethan Flowers and Brandon Stead, creating gaps out wide with Jarrett going over for his second try.

Although several tackling stints followed, due silly mishaps and giving Oulton the ball, the visitors made the most of possession when they had it again as a neat little inside pass from hooker Brad Moules saw Allen crash over for his second. Priest added the conversion.

Oulton looked deflated and Fryston capitalised by playing some entertaining rugby, throwing the ball from one side of the field to the other. This created huge gaps and forward Stead stormed through to score.

Morgan Jones then broke from inside his own half and was backed up by Priest, Harry Archdale and Kieran Purdy who strolled in under the posts. Priest added the goal to complete the scoring.

Fryston had many stars on the day. Aaron Barlow made an excellent debut, but a special mention should go to Allen and Bonser for their efforts in both attack and defence.

Cutsyke Raiders went down 14-6 at East Hull in their first game back in the Yorkshire Men’s Premier Division.

Despite tries from Thomas Owen and Mark Tiffin (two) and two goals by Steven Beal, Upton were edged out 18-16 by Wibsey Warriors in Division Three.

Lock Lane thrashed Dewsbury Moor 86-0 in Division Four with tries by Bailey O’Connor (two), Lucas Moon, Mason Hare, Nathan Fozzard (two), Calum Butler (two), Harry Phillipson, Christopher Siddons, Owen Brock, Morgan Punchard (two), Jack Smith, Oliver Bloomer, plus 13 goals kicked by Hare.

In the same division there was a 26-24 home win for Kippax and Swillington Miners against Dodworth Miners, but a 22-18 loss for Brotherton Bulldogs at Normanton Knights.

Featherstone Lions won their first game in Division Five North when they beat Birstall Victoria 31-12.

The Castleford & Featherstone ARL has, following a further easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, called a meeting of clubs for early next week.

Delegates are asked to convene at the league’s base at Glasshoughton WMC next Monday.

The gathering is scheduled to start at 7.30pm prompt.