Rugby league: National Conference League Division One

Last updated 12:26, Thursday, 01 May 2008

WATH Brow Hornets’ claims for promotion from Division One of the NCL are gaining credence.

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Try scorer: Andrew Hocking

Hornets, following Saturday’s victory over Ince Rose Bridge – who were also the Brow’s victims in the recent ACE Insurance (Europe) Barla National Cup semi-final – are only two points behind third-placed Saddleworth Rangers, with four games in hand.

Second-placed York Acorn, who have an advantage of three points over Wath Brow but have played two more games, are also within range and travel to Cumbria – under protest, it has to be said – on Wednesday week for what could be a crucial fixture.

In the meantime, Hornets will have travelled to another leading side, Bradford Dudley Hill, on Saturday. Other outstanding fixtures include home games against leaders Wigan St Jude’s and, in a real contrast, bottom side East Leeds, plus a trip to dark horses Thatto Heath.

Wath Brow’s fate, therefore, is firmly in their own hands, although their prospects would perhaps have been somewhat different today if Ince had been able to build on a strong opening in which a try and two goals were recorded without reply.

Hornets, however, hit back to establish a 16-8 lead by the interval through a try and two goals by stand-off Craig Johnstone and touchdowns by centre Francis King and second row Kevin Thompson.

King crossed again four minutes into the second period, and although the Wigan outfit posted a try in reply, a third successive win – and the double, after the 22-18 verdict in Wigan – was ratified when winger Ryan Amor crossed, full-back Gavin Curwen adding a penalty in a 26-12 verdict.

Millom, meanwhile, are promoted from Division Two and are almost certain to finish as champions if they can win at leaders Normanton on Saturday.

The Maroons prevailed 54-22 at Hull Isberg to secure a place in the middle section next time and end the Yorkshiremen’s hopes in a real four-pointer, hooker Graham Lupton registering a hat-trick.

Full-back Warren Lloyd and winger Elliot Miller bagged a brace apiece, and scrum-half Nathan Mossop and centre Steve Dawson touched down; stand-off Paul Evans kicked nine goals.

National Conference League Division One – Bradford Dudley Hill v Wath Brow Hornets; National Conference League Division Two – Egremont Rangers v Milford Marlins, Normanton Knights v Millom. Games kick-off at 2.30pm.