After last weeks tremendous win over league leaders Bank Top, Whitehall went into this match full of confidence.

However Slaithwaite proved to be a totally different proposition and must be one of the most accomplished sides in the Pennine League.

The Warriors did start strongly with their big pack, led well by Pete Williams, dominating the middle of the park.

The Saracens defence held off the initial battering but conceded a penalty which Ricky Middleton converted.

Full back Andy Green left the pitch injured and, with Captain Baz Stead and war horse Stuart Syme both injured from last weeks match, more re-shuffling of positions was needed.

Darren Hawkyard took advantage of Whitehall’s disarray and led the Slaithwaite counter attack. Their magnificent support play soon took them over the Whitehall line.

Whitehall’s Chris Gregg prompted his forwards but the set piece moves he worked with Richard Casanove and Alan Bottomley were snuffed out.

Daniel Raika, John Greenwood and Chris Higson, all making their debuts for Whitehall, put in the hard graft expected from the back row but to no avail.

Good work from Slaithwaite’s Lee Mason and Mark Boothroyd resulted in 2 converted tries to bring the first half to a close at 2-18.

The 2^nd half began with Chris Lodge and Michael Mellor leading Slaithwaite deep into Whitehall territory and Michael Bostock got the 1^st of his 3 tries.

Good work by centres Alex Scargill and Chris Scrimshaw brought the Warriors to the Saracens’ line and Chris Gregg got his usual short range try which he converted himself.

This try inspired Whitehall and Pete Williams earned his Man of the Match award by making a great break, handing on to Pep Scargill who drew the fullback to send Mike Hogg racing in at the corner.

The short revival was short lived as Saracens clicked into top gear and raced in for 4 more tries in an exhibition of flowing rugby league at it’s best.

On Saturday Whitehall are at home to bottom club Selby Warriors – kick off 2.30pm and Hipperholme and Lightcliffe School.