Sherburn Bears ARLFC overturned the formbook to smash resurgent Lancashire side Hollinwood in division five of the Pennine League.

After the Oldham-based outfit had racked up impressive away wins at Brighouse and Wakefield City, while only narrowly losing at home in a high-scoring match against leaders Kinsley, the Bears were expecting a testing tussle.

But the hosts defied expectations to run out comfortable 50-14 winners.

Tries were notched by Adam Withington (3), Shaun Crossland, Ben Pugh, Sam Booth, Martin Leahy, Rhys Hughes and Ryan Roebuck. Leahy added six goals with Pugh weighing in with one conversion.

The Yorkshire Laser man of the match award went to Withington for an excellent performance.

He was closely followed by captain Ray Boyes and hooker Daniel Johnson, while triple try-scorer Withington was also the leading tackler.

Table-topping Kinsley’s final game away at Crofton was postponed so the second-placed Bears will have to wait a little longer to see if they will lift the title. They entertain Wetherby Bulldogs at Eversley Park on Saturday.

Selby Warriors lost 42-6 at Allerton Bywater in division one – David Makin and Steve Wilks the Selby try-scorers.

New Earswick All Blacks’ Championship tie at home to King Cross Park fell victim to a waterlogged pitch.