The Championship decider had come down to this final league match between the top two teams in Division Four.

It had been a gruelling season with any team in this tough division being capable of beating the other.

Slaithwaite had headed the table for virtually all the Season and Whitehall had come with a late charge.

However the tough run-in that the Warriors had, with 5 matches in the last 14 days, took its toll. Injuries to key men, especially Captain and Stand-off, Baz Stead, meant the Warriors had to re-shuffle their team, and they unfortunately lost their fluency in attack.

Whitehall got off to the worst possible start with the Saracen’s Wayne Scott scoring within 2 minutes of the kick-off and, with the conversion, were 6 – 0 down.

On top of this Whitehall suffered early losses due to injuries to loose forward Tony Power and goal kicker Ollie Dugdale.

David Spivey and Stuart Syme rallied their troops and for the next 30 minutes there was no more scoring as both defences gave their all.

The Saracens outstanding duo of Arron Crabtree and Darren Hawkyard broke the dead lock and extended their lead to 12 points.

With minutes to the half time whistle, the Warriors knew a score was vital to keep in this game and David Skinner, Richard Casanove and Pete Williams all drove the ball hard at the Slaithwaite line, and on the last tackle, instead of kicking the ball, Andy Sadler found Andrew Green and he caught the Saracens napping to shoot over for a try.

Whitehall had suffered another set back in this final foray as outstanding Scrum half, David Spivey, limped off with a broken ankle.

Richard Darkes’ Warriors began the 2^nd half with a bang and battered the Saracens line. Fast hands by Andy Clay, Paul Barraclough and Danny Vento found powerful centre Rhys Brown, and he crashed over in the corner for a try, which Vento brilliantly converted.

The Warriors were playing some excellent rugby and Andy Green was held up twice on the Slaithwaite line. Pete Williams and Danny Vento both went close and then, against the run of play, Slaithwaite were the ones to score and extend their lead to 18-10.

With 10 minutes remaining it was do or die for the Warriors and Power, Brown and Clay led the assault on the Saracens’ line. James Spivey dropped off the rampaging Richard Casanove and he crashed over the line with 3 men on his back. Vento quickly converted and Slaithwaite kicked off.

Once again things went against Whitehall as the ball found the dead ball line and Vento’s drop out went straight into touch. With minutes remaining Slaithwaite extended their lead to 4 points with the penalty.

Whitehall’s Man of the Match, Vento, restarted with a short kick which he collected himself and charged downfield. Casanove and Green were held up by a desperate Slaithwaite defence but time ran out and a relieved Slaithwaite were saved when referee, Duggie Booth, blew the final whistle to end this thrilling match.

The Warriors, although down-hearted by this defeat, have had a marvellous 2^nd season gaining promotion once again and have had several notable victories, perhaps the win at the previously unbeaten Wortley Dragons and last Wednesday’s victory over Sharlston being the highlights of the Season.

However, congratulations to Slaithwaite and we’ll look forward to meeting you next season in Division 3.