Ex-Leeds Rhinos youngster scores vital try in derby win: National League round-up

Ben Dale’s try levelled the scores and Littlewood landed the difficult kick from midway between the posts and touchline. Easts led 10-0 midway through the first half courtesy of a try by Rob Jowett which Littlewood converted and - after the visitors’ Alfie Peach had been yellow-carded for dissent - one from former Leeds Rhinos academy, Featherstone Rovers and Hunslet winger Kiedan Hartley.

Logan Temple hit back for Stanningley, but Easts went in at half-time 16-4 ahead after Littlewood goaled Kieran Brining’s late try. The west Leeds side blasted back to go 20-16 in front through touchdowns for Nathan Stone, Jamaine Ruane and Connor Aveyard, plus two Josh Phillips conversions, before Dale and Littlewood ensured the bragging rights went east.

Oulton Raiders were also beaten after staging a spirited second half rally, going down 34-26 at Egremont Rangers. Raiders, who travelled with only 16 players, scored first through Robbie Powell, after just two minutes, but were 26-8 adrift by half-time, Kieran Walpole grabbing their second touchdown. Archie Craggs bagged a brace in the second period, converted both and added the extras when Noah Kershaw crossed, but it wasn’t enough.

Hunslet ARLFC displayed their Premier Division title credentials with a 26-16 home victory against Wath Brow Hornets, who had won their previous three games. The south Leeds side were 16-0 ahead after as many minutes through Tyler Dargan’s try to open the scoring and then a brace from Josh McLelland, plus two goals by Lewis Heckford.

McLelland completed his hat-trick to make it 20-4 at the break, but Hornets cut the gap to just four points inside the final quarter before Jamie Field crashed over on 66 minutes and Heckford added the extras to seal Hunslet’s win.