The Warriors shortage of players continued with old boys Mick Williams, Dave Beaumont and Paul Johnson drafted in once again to make up the numbers.

Hoyland came with a big pack and dominated in the early stages and were unlucky not to take the lead when they had a try disallowed for a forward pass.

Whitehall weathered the storm and returning Skipper, Baz Stead, eased the pressure with some astute tactical kicks.

Richard Casanove and Stuart Syme drove the ball hard to the Vikings line and Stead was unstoppable from 15 metres out leaving 4 Hoyland defenders in his wake. Ricky Middleton made no mistake with the goal kick.

Centre Chris Scrimshaw was harshly sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes and Hoyland capitalised on his absence with the next score.

Rotation forward sub, Jimmy Bamford, was making lots of inroads into Hoyland territory and Andy Sadler laid the ball off nicely to Pep Scargill who ghosted through the Hoyland defenders without hardly a hand being laid on him. Middleton added the extra 2 points to give the Warriors a 12-4 half time lead.

The Vikings started the 2^nd half like they began the first and battered the Whitehall line. Only equally determined tackling from Lee Walmsley, Pete Williams, Andy Johnson and Andy Sadler kept them at bay.

Again the Vikings were unlucky not to score as a chip through on the last tackle was adjudged to have rolled over the dead ball line before being grounded.

Whitehall’s try scoring machine, Andy Green, picked up the ball at acting half back and blasted a hole in the Hoyland defensive line. From 50 metres, and a straight race to the line, the try was nailed on for Man of the Match, Green. Ricky Middleton’s goal kick attempt unfortunately hit the post and bounced out.

Hoyland rallied and came storming aback with their fullback taking advantage of some slack tackling to give them hope.

Andrew Johnson eased the pressure with a great 60 metre run up field but unfortunately the momentum was lost when a Hoyland player punched Richard Casanove and a scuffle followed with the dismissal of a player from each side.

Whitehall were awarded the penalty and quick organisation by Pete Williams saw the ball thrown down the line from Middleton to Stead, to Williams and finally to Scrimshaw for a classical try in the corner.

Middleton amazingly hit the upright once again but with the score at 20-8 the match was over for the Vikings.

Whitehall are away to an unbeaten Bank Top Harriers on Saturday and with our player shortage we could struggle.

Any players interested in joining the successful Warriors, in now their 3^rd season, are very welcome. Please contact Team Manager, Dave Beaumont, on 07850 707 443.