Rylands Sharks 34 Eastmoor Dragons 26

AN injury ravaged Rylands side retained top spot in National Conference League Division Three after a hard-fought victory over a determined Eastmoor outfit.

Not for the first time this season Sharks showed tremendous character to grab victory from the jaws of defeat, having trailed by 14 points at one stage in the first half.

Rylands started the contest brightly with a Jason Garrathy try from a precise Chris Forster kick after five minutes, with Jack Lewis adding the extras.

Eastmoor dominated the rest of the first period as Rylands’ ill discipline let them down.

Dragons made the most of their opportunity and levelled the scores with a try from hooker Danny Johnson converted by scrum half James Slater, who then edged Eastmoor in front with a penalty goal on 18 minutes.

The Yorkshire outfit increased their advantage with tries from winger Caine McVittie, 25 minutes, and stand off Chad Moss, 35 minutes, both converted by Slater.

But a try from Rylands’ Troy Brophy, converted by Forster, shortly before the break left the hosts eight points adrift.

The second period saw a much improved Rylands take to the field as they hunted the Dragons lead down.

Nick Braide started the ball rolling, crashing over the Eastmoor try line after 42 minutes with Forster again converting.

Brophy bagged his second to put Sharks in front.

And then a try from James Jones on 54 minutes gave Rylands a six-point lead.

With Sharks well on top Rob Campbell got in on the act, taking three defenders with him as he barged over the Eastmoor line.

Eastmoor pulled a try back on 70 minutes through winger Jacob McDermott, converted by Slater, to set up a tense finish but a penalty goal in the final minute from Forster eased Rylands’ nerves as they put the contest to bed.

Best for Rylands were Brophy, Theo Holt, Lewis, Braide and Brad McAlpine.

Next up for Rylands will be a trip to eighth-placed Clock Face Miners on Saturday, June 3.