Contrasting fortunes for Mirfield Stags and Birstall Victoria

While the Stags ran in 10 tries on their way to a 56-10 victory over Milford Marlins A, injury hit Birstall slipped to a 44-6 defeat at Hull Wyke.

Mirfield fell behind inside four minutes when Glen Chapman finished a well-worked try for the Marlins.

Centre James Wilson, on debut, quickly drew the Stags level as he collected a Ross Hayden pass to score.

Elliot Smith raced clear following a flowing passing move to bag his first of three tries.

Stags front-rower Lance Hamilton and Marlins loose-forward Chris Soda were then sin-binned for their involvement in a fracas.

Moments later, the Marlins were reduced to 11 men when substitute Dave Parker was sent off after a second melee broke out.

Mirfield took little time to make their numerical advantage count as prop Ben Mather powered over from close range.

Wilson then pounced on a loose ball to send Hayden over as Mirfield held a 16-point half-time lead.

Stags prop Kryss Tominay charged through Milford’s backline to score early in the second half but to the Marlins credit they reduced the deficit with a Nathan Gill try.

Stand-off Jake Shaw produced a fine solo effort, racing 70 metres and touching down between the posts before a cut-out pass from Stags newcomer Adam Illingworth released centre Smith, who raced clear to grab his second score.

Smith then turned provider for Hayden to score his 11th try of the season.

Winger Oliver Rounding finished off an excellent move to bring up the half-century, before Smith completed his hat-trick as the Stags put leaders York Acorn A under pressure.

With several injured players still weeks away from a return to the team, a depleted Birstall Victoria travelled to Hull Wyke for their third away game of the season.

There was only pride gained for the visitors, who battled throughout, but Hull were simply too strong and ran in eight tries to Victoria’s one.

Birstall’s try was scored by full-back Sam Thornton, converted by stand-off Braden Hunter.

Man of the match went to Trevor West, whose power and aggression when driving the ball was excellent, especially in the second half .

Also standing out was scrum-half Ryan Jackson and second row Gavin Davis who both worked tirelessly in attack and defence.

Birstall Victoria have a much needed two week break from playing, which will hopefully see several players returning for their next game at home against the Stags on Saturday, June 6.