Whitehall’s injury crisis continued and the late withdrawals of two players with pathetic excuses didn’t help their cause - Paul Stead (self inflicted illness) and Lee Walmsley (I didn’t feel like it today).

However, the side that turned out put in a gallant effort against a strong Lindley outfit with debutant Polish player, Marek Jarota, making a very promising appearance.

The Swifts played well as a unit and their outstanding defence held out strong attacks from Chris Scrimshaw, Pete Williams and Richard Casanove.

Captain Baz Stead’s probing kicks kept Lindley at bay and the 2^nd row partnership of Andrew Johnson and Simon Howland were working overtime both in attack and defence.

Lindley eventually cracked the Whitehall defence with a very fortunate bounce of the ball and the 2-pointer gave them a 6-0 lead.

The Warriors weren’t deterred and their old war horse, Stuart Syme, who never took a backward step despite some very over robust dubious Swift’s tackling, took Whitehall downfield time and again.

Lindley counter attacked and Dave Valentine’s brilliant off load in the tackle sent the Swift’s 12 points clear, and with half time approaching they extended their lead to 16 points with a try in the corner.

Coach Richard Darkes wasn’t too concerned about his team’s performance as the bounce of the ball seemed to have always favoured Lindley and he sent his team out for the 2^nd half to win this match.

The Swifts defended grimly as Whitehall’s veterans Mick Williams and Paul Johnson linked well with 16 year old Josh Hopkinson who sent speedy wingman, Josh Donnelly, racing away downfield. A clumsy tackle by Lindley fullback, Steven Brook, downed the Warrior but unfortunately a serious neck injury resulted causing the abandonment of the match on 50 minutes.

This game will have to be replayed at a later date.

On Saturday Whitehall have their final match before Christmas at home to Siddal in the Joseph Fee Cup.