FEATHERSTONE LIONS are only a couple of points adrift of the leading trio of Saddleworth, Keighley Albion and Bentley after posting a fourth win in six outings, 40-22 at home to Beverley.
But they were made to work harder for their victory against a side who have lost all six of their fixtures than the scoreline might suggest.
Although never behind (and, in fact, 28-4 ahead early in the second period) the men from the Millpond found themselves only twelve points clear as the game entered the final quarter, Beverley’s Ben White, who was impressive throughout, having converted tries by Lewis Harold and Ben Rowan (Lewis Miller had notched earlier).
Another try for the visitors at that stage could have truly ignited the contest. But with secondrow Sam Millard inspirational, the Lions registered vital touchdowns on 65 and 72 minutes respectively by Ash Allman-Brooke and Nathan Hammond, with Liam Kay adding the last two of his six goals.
And that was enough to seal victory, despite the visitors having the last word when Harold grabbed his second try which Alec Hardie (who was subsequently sinbinned for dissent) improved.
Allman-Brooke and Will Smith crossed for the home side in the opening quarter, with Millard dotting down shortly after Beverley’s Tom Burman was yellow carded, on the half-hour, for a professional foul.
Jack Beddis furthered the Lions’ cause with touchdowns in a seven-minute period straddling the break, prior to the East Riding outfit’s gallant but ultimately unsuccessful rally.
SADDLEWORTH still head the standings after prevailing 22-20 at DISTINGTON, who were 14-10 ahead as the game went into the final quarter.
Rangers, though, went 22-14 up through second tries for Joe Taira and Robert Charles, with Connor Whitehead adding the last two of his three goals.
The Cumbrians had the last word when James Motum touched down in the closing seconds, Scott George adding his second goal. But it was too late for Distington, whose previous tries went to Callum Fox, Zack Williams and Brandon Walker.
Saddleworth’s Josh Johnson was sinbinned in the first half for dissent, Fox scoring in his absence.
Second-placed KEIGHLEY ALBION held out against second-bottom MILFORD to prevail 22-18. Albion, who led 12-0 on as many minutes through tries by Cal Hudson and Ben Stead, were only 18-12 in front as the game entered the final quarter, Josh Tenniswood having crossed, while Hudson booted his third goal.
Tenniswood’s second try, however, established a ten-point cushion, which was needed when Milford’s Joe Tharme powered over with ten minutes left and Hamish McLintock landed his third goal. Kyle Tasker and Steve Bacon had crossed earlier for the Leeds side.
BENTLEY, who beat MILLOM 32-18, are behind Saddleworth solely on points difference (and are exactly level with Albion in the latter regard).
Millom opened the scoring with a Hadley Thompson try and closed it with touchdowns in the last two minutes for Connor Terrill and Kyle Evans, with Lee Postlethwaite adding each goal.
Inbetween Bentley – who have won their last four games – held sway with a Grant Hill brace and tries for Ben Sykes, Alex Bates, George Newbury and Ben Smith, four of which Kieran Lewis converted.
MYTON WARRIORS ended a four-match losing streak by battling back from 22-12 down at the break to beat LEIGH EAST 26-22.
Nathan Slater (twice, including his hat-trick score two minutes from time) and Riley Anderson grabbed the vital tries, with Jack Sanderson kicking his third goal. Tyler Fisher also crossed.
East had led through touchdowns by Jasper Cockles, Connor Grainey, Cai O’Brien and Marcus Mercer, three of which Adam Holland improved.