Skirlaugh set the standard

8/23/2007

Last seasons champions Skirlaugh set down the standard for this seasons National Conference Premier League with a 52-22 thumping of newly-promoted Mayfield of Rochdale.

Strengthened with the signing from West Hull of half-back Carl Puckering, Skirlaugh scored 8 tries - and from all over the park - with Jordan Precious kicking 10 goals

Last seasons minor Premiers, Leigh Miners, and still smarting from that Grand Final defeat to Skirlaugh went to Humberside and defeated Hull Dockers by 24-16, and showed that they will want revenge for that defeat in May.

The other two newly promoted teams Castleford Panthers and Leigh East beat Thornhill and East Hull respectively, indicating that this seasons Premier League will be as tight as ever.

In a thriller at Raider Park West Hull held on to defeat Oulton Raiders 13-12. Down to 12 men with 5 minutes remaining, after the dismissal of prop Ben Parker, they survived a late scare when the Raiders scored in the corner but failed with the conversion.

In the other games Eastmoor defeated West Bowing whilst Wigan St.Patricks defeated Siddal.

See all the latest results here.