Rugby league: National Conference League Division One

Last updated 12:25, Thursday, 01 May 2008

WATH Brow Hornets are, arguably, the favourites to join Wigan St Jude’s and York Acorn in securing promotion from Division One of the National Conference League.

Hornets, who followed up last Wednesday’s 15-10 victory over Acorn with a 50-4 success over bottom side East Leeds on Saturday, remain outside the top three but are level with third-placed Bradford Dudley Hill, who have completed their programme but have a vastly superior points’ difference.

Crucially, Wath Brow have two matches remaining, although both of them are difficult.

Champions Wigan St Jude’s visit Red Beck Lane on Saturday, and the major test could come on Saturday, May 10 when Hornets visit third from bottom Thatto Heath Crusaders.

Wath Brow are in serious contention after recording the double over East Leeds with a solid display.

Hornets enjoyed a healthy start when centre Ryan Amor popped over in the third minute.

Easts hit back with a solo try, but Wath Brow were in control by half-time, by which stage stand-off Craig Johnstone had scored a try and two goals, full back Paul Byers adding two touchdowns and loose-forward David Pettitt, hooker James Toman and second row Gary Elliott also crossing.

Johnstone, Pettitt and, with his hat-trick score, Byers, raced over in the second period, Johnstone adding a conversion and centre Francis King improving the last two touchdowns.

Millom are likely to be crowned champions of Division Two.

The Maroons will be taking nothing for granted but a victory at home on Saturday against Heworth will haul them joint top, alongside Normanton Knights with a superior points difference.

The Furness outfit are on the brink of glory after beating Crosfields, who are due to seek re-election, 46-6.

Stand-off Paul Evans scored 22 points, with two tries and seven goals, centre Matthew Palmer crossed twice, and scrum-half Anthony Dixon, prop Andrew Dawson, hooker Paul Lupton and winger Steve Dawson were all among the touchdowns.

John Smith’s Cumberland League Division Two – Cockermouth v Salterbeck. Dale Campbell Savours Cup Final – Cockermouth v SalterbeckJohn Smith’s Cumberland League Division One – Ellenborough Rangers v KellsNational Conference League Division One – Wath Brow Hornets v Wigan St Jude’s. National Conference League Division Two – Millom v Heworth